A) constitutional reforms
B) Ganga Action Plan
C) linking of rivers
D) protection of Western Ghats
Correct Answer: D
Solution :
Exp. [d] Both the committee reports are related to the protection and conservation of Western Ghats. These committees were formed during the tenure of UPA Government. Initially Gadgil Committee was formed, later Kasturirangan Committee was formed. Western Ghats is an extensive region and home to many endemic, endangered plants and animals. It has been recognised by UNESCO as one of the world's eight most important biodiversity hotspots, these forested hills are also source to numerous rivers, including Godavari, Krishna and Cauvery. Western Ghats acts as a huge water tank supplying water to Southern states. Western Ghats needs high attention in the sustainability aspect of endemic flora and fauna of India. Gadgil Committee Report said that 94-97% area of the Western Ghats should be considered as eco-sensitive. Ecologically Sensitive Zone is area which needs special protection and concern because of its landscape, wildlife, etc. The Gadgil Committee Report was more environment friendly and was less concerned about realities. Almost three-fourth of the hills, including plantations, cultivated. lands and large habitations, is turned into a restricted development zone with an over-arching authority to regulate the region superseding the elected authorities' role. This report recommended that no new dams based on large scale storage, hydroelectricity project and industrial activity be permitted in the region. The Kasturirangan panel has recommended that there should be a complete ban on mining activity in ecologically sensitive area and current mining activities should be phased out within five years, or at the time of expiry of the mining lease. This panel banned development of any township or construction over the size of 20,000 sq m in this ecologically sensitive zone. However, panel has not recommended a ban on hydroelectric projects in the zone which was banned in Gadgil report. For dams, it has demanded and interrupted ecological flow of at least 30% level of the rivers flow till individual baselines for dams are set. No thermal power is allowed in report. Red industries which are highly polluting are strictly banned in these areas.
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