Mon Apr 28 14:25:11 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Activists Launch Campaign to Protect Western Ghats from Mahadayi River Projects
**Belagavi, Karnataka – April 28, 2025** – The Save Mahadayi Movement launched a public awareness campaign on Saturday to highlight the environmental risks posed by proposed Mahadayi river basin projects to the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. The movement, uniting various environmental organizations and local farmers, aims to educate the public, particularly young people and urban dwellers, about the potential consequences of these projects.
Veteran activist Dilip Kamath criticized the projects, arguing they are falsely presented as drinking water initiatives while actually serving irrigation purposes, particularly for sugarcane cultivation. He emphasized the long-standing opposition to these projects, which he says are simply rebranded versions of proposals rejected decades ago. Kamath highlighted the encouraging participation of farmers, who are directly affected by land acquisition for projects like the Banduri Nala project.
Environmentalist Nitin Dhond underscored the need for widespread awareness, noting that the impact extends beyond rural farmers to affect everyone. He cited studies from institutions like the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and IIT Mumbai, which detail the potential harm to the Western Ghats, including deforestation and desertification. Dhond specifically criticized plans to build barrages without gates, which he says will prevent water from reaching the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Save Mahadayi Movement plans to utilize these studies and engage volunteers to broaden its reach and build a stronger public movement to protect the Western Ghats and its unique biodiversity. The event included presentations, discussions, and an active participation from young people keen on volunteering for the cause.
First Piper 