Udupi: Environmentalists from across the state are working to protect the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sowparnika River that flows through it. The campaign is rapidly gaining traction, with activists using QR codes to encourage the public to scan, learn and take action against ongoing alleged environmental violations. Some of the environmental groups part of this campaign include NECF, Aranya, Parisara Mathu Havamana Badalavane Sangha (Society for Forest, Environment & Climate Change) and others. They have raised objections to illegal activities within the notified Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), including permissions granted for commercial establishments. Activists pointed to the direct discharge of untreated sewage into Sowparnika River.According to the spokesperson of Aranya, Parisara Mathu Havamana Badalavane Sangha, greens have been reaching out to the forest minister and top forest officials of the state and heads of Kundapur and Kudremukh wildlife division over serious and continuing violations of the ESZ notification and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, occurring within the legally protected landscape of Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. The facts reveal systematic illegal commercial activities, habitat disturbance and pollution, coupled with the complete failure of statutory authorities and the ESZ Monitoring Committee, resulting in ongoing ecological degradation. As per the ESZ notification dated April 13, 2017, Kolluru village falls within the notified ESZ. Yet, large-scale commercial activities have been permitted and established within it. No regulatory scrutiny or environmental safeguards have been enforced.The greens said ongoing activities within and around the sanctuary constitute serious offences under the Wildlife Act, which prohibits destruction, exploitation or diversion of wildlife habitat, without prior approval of state govt and National Board for Wildlife. Also, the discharge of untreated sewage into Souparnika constitutes a serious ecological and legal violation.“Our study reveals that approximately 50 permissions have been granted by the gram panchayat after the area was notified as ESZ. Due to the complete dereliction of duty by the authorities concerned, the ESZ has failed to serve its intended purpose, and the ecological damage has extended into the sanctuary itself, adversely affecting wildlife and habitat integrity. Also, the discharge of sewage into the river system within the sanctuary has resulted in water contamination, foul-smelling and unfit for ecological use,” an activist stated, demanding action against the district authorities, foresters and panchayat officials responsible for the mess.PCCF, wildlife, stated that DCF Kudremukh Wildlife division and Kundapur have been asked to verify and respond to the allegation.
