Environmentalists warn that the proposed Shaktipeeth Highway, mining activity, tree felling and nuclear power projects could threaten the district’s fragile ecosystem
Sawantwadi : Environmental experts have raised concerns over the future of Sindhudurg’s rich biodiversity, warning that large infrastructure and industrial projects could place increasing pressure on the district’s fragile ecosystem. The concerns were voiced during a Development Conference organised by the Sindhudurg Doctors Fraternity Club at Amboli-Chaukul. The event included discussions on medical and environmental issues, with a special panel session titled “Challenges Before Sindhudurg’s Biodiversity.”
The speakers highlighted potential ecological risks associated with the proposed Shaktipeeth Highway, alleged illegal mining, indiscriminate tree felling, tourism-related development and proposed nuclear power projects. Moderating the discussion, Dr Jayendra Parulekar said Sindhudurg’s unique ecosystem had evolved over thousands of years and formed part of the Western Ghats, one of the world’s 36 recognised biodiversity hotspots. He described the district’s ecological wealth as an invaluable natural heritage that must be protected while planning development projects.
District Wildlife Warden Sanjay Sawant drew attention to the presence of tigers in the Tilari region. He said the area had emerged as a tiger breeding habitat in recent years, underlining its growing importance for wildlife conservation. Researchers Hemant Ogale and Dr Dattaprasad Sawant presented an overview of the biodiversity found across the Western Ghats. They also highlighted the remarkable variety of butterflies in the Amboli-Chowkul region and referred to the discovery of a new dragonfly species in the area.
According to the researchers, the number of dragonfly species recorded in Sindhudurg is comparable to the diversity documented across the island nation of Sri Lanka.
Ornithologist Bhagyashree Parab said the number of recorded bird species in Sindhudurg had increased from around 250 to more than 400 as documentation and research expanded. She, however, warned that indiscriminate tree felling and environmental degradation were threatening the habitats of several rare bird species.
Biodiversity expert Kaka Bhise said certain tourism policies and government-backed development initiatives had intensified ecological concerns in the district. He called for stronger conservation safeguards and environmentally responsible planning.
Concluding the programme, Dr Parulekar said the Sindhudurg Doctors Fraternity Club would organise similar workshops, conferences and awareness programmes across the district. He said the initiative would seek to educate citizens and encourage their active participation in protecting Sindhudurg’s biodiversity.
