Micro and small development projects should continue in Western Ghats: Scientist
Agrometeorology scientist M.B. Raje Gowda suggested modifications to the Kasturirangan report to allow small developmental activities in the region.
Agrometeorology scientist M.B. Raje Gowda has suggested that the Kasturirangan report should be modified to allow micro projects and small developmental activities to continue in the Western Ghats region, according to The Hindu.
Gowda stated that while the Kasturirangan committee provided information on social development works regarding biodiversity and the environment, there is no qualitative information about climate change in those areas or other parts of the State.
He noted that average temperatures in Karnataka increased by up to 1.5 degrees Celsius between 1900 and 2020. During this period, the State average annual rainfall rose from 1,140 mm between 1900 and 1950 to 1,218 mm between 1980 and 2020.
While annual rainfall decreased by about 10 to 15 per cent along the coast and western hilly regions, monsoon rainfall increased by about 100 to 200 mm in northern and southern interior districts.
Gowda said that agricultural production has increased from 4 to 5 million tonnes to 13 million tonnes. He attributed these changes to monsoon clouds originating in the Indian Ocean, where 76 per cent of clouds precipitate in the coast and western Ghats, while 25 per cent move into plain interior Karnataka.