Chapter 8: Sectoral issues raised in public consultation meetings
8.5.5 Disaster management and green wall Impact of tsunami and cyclone are high in the barren open area as against sheltered belt. This has been proved beyond doubt in East Coast of India, Japan during tsunami and Orissa cyclone. Any artificial wall cannot face the fury of the sea. However natural green belt can definitely reduce the impact. Traditionally, the coast was protected by the green belt. This was destroyed to develop tourism, construction etc. and to extend agriculture land. All the grave problems along the coast are due to leveling of sand dunes and destruction of sand dune flora. CRZ specifically restricts leveling of sand dunes. Reconstruction of open beach with sand dunes and dune flora (green belt) and prevention of further destruction needed. 8.5.6 Protection of Coastal Biodiversity Coastal biodiversity is seriously affected by encroachment into sea, sea wall construction, and destruction of sand dune flora, destruction of mangroves, sand mining, pollution and now the proposed reef formation. The fishery in the inshore waters is affected due to these activities. A review of the status and prevention of further damage has to be carried out. A detailed analysis of the issues facing the coastal areas of Karnataka by Dr. V N Nayak can be seen in the weblink: http://wp.me/p34Lf5-hv; accessed on 10.5.2015 A critical issue being faced by the coastal India is of the management / mis-management of natural beaches especially w.r.t to the sand. An informative documentary on the beaches of Puducherry is in the link provided below. “India’s Disappearing Beaches - A wake up call’: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgTn6Qpgjok); accessed on 10.5.2015
We must learn from such valuable lessons in our own backyards, and take all necessary measures to protect our coast lines. Such lessons should be in focus while recommending against additional ports in the country, which as per a report may see a day when there can be a port every 15 kM of the coast. Are so many ports needed for the true welfare of our communities, and in what way they will assist in mitigate and adapt to CC? The narrow coastal strip of the state has huge ecological, economic and social significance to the state in addition to positively assisting the Western Ghats through its moist winds. It is facing serious threats to its rich ecology from the fast changing climate. Current development strategies have been considered by experts as destructive – taking away the little that fishing communities have in the name of progress and growth. Future policies for coastal area management must reverse such trends and find approaches to conserve and protect vulnerable ecosystems, and secure livelihood and habitats of its people.
8.6 Agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry These sectors are projected to be at maximum risk in the fast changing climatic conditions. KSAPCC has dealt with this sector in detail and has made many recommendations to make the some of the ongoing practices adapt suitably for the change in climate. KSAPCC says: “.. all the available evidences indicate that agriculture is the most vulnerable sector to climate change. The direct effects of climate change on agricultural production includes variability in temperature, precipitation, and carbon dioxide concentrations while change in soil moisture contents and the increased frequency of pest infection and consequent diseases are indirect effects.” Karnataka’s agricultural economy remains a major lively hood for about 56.5% of total workforce living in various levels of poverty. In spite of enormous rural-urban migration, rural poverty is expected to stay dominant for several more decades. Modern agriculture has sharply increased yields of crops, but has also caused ecological damage as well. Global agriculture is under significant pressure to meet the demands 146
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board | Recommendations to State Action Plan on Climate Change