A PIL alleging misuse of funds by the state in carrying out an illegal irrigation project in Sindhudurg district came before the HC on Tuesday. The PIL sought the withdrawal of the project and stated that it will result in large-scale destruction of biodiversity in the surrounding forests.
A division bench of Justice V.M. Kanade and Justice S.C. Gupte is hearing the PIL filed by NGO Vanashakti and Balkrishna Gavas of Sarambale Village. The PIL alleged that the Sarambala Medium Irrigation Project is a threat to locals and wildlife in the area.
It also stated that the International Union for Conservation of Nature has written to the ministry of environment and forests, one of the respondents, asking for the project to be shelved to protect the vulnerable small-clawed river otter. Many species of plants, wildlife (including the critically endangered Bengal Tiger) and birds will also be in danger. Appearing for one of the respondents, the Konkan Irrigation Development Corporation Ltd, advocate Pradeep Patil said, “The petitioners have their own vested interests. The state approved of it back in 1995 and the dam is of great importance as it would generate 5.29 MW electricity.”