Karnataka orders carrying capacity study of western ghats amid rising ecological stress

The study, a first of its kind for the UNESCO-declared biodiversity hotspot, is expected to be completed within six months.

Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre has ordered a comprehensive carrying capacity study of the Western Ghats to assess the impact of increasing infrastructure, mining, tourism, and residential pressures.

The study, a first of its kind for the UNESCO-declared biodiversity hotspot, is expected to be completed within six months.

The Karnataka Forest Department, Karnataka Biodiversity Board, and Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) will conduct the study. A committee headed by Meenakshi Negi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, will be formed within 10 days.

Speaking at a Biodiversity Board meeting, Khandre highlighted the urgency due to frequent landslides and environmental degradation. Past studies from Uttara Kannada and Bandipur were also reviewed.

Experts emphasized the need for a participatory approach backed by empirical data to set clear ecological limits. The report will also examine if environmental clearance conditions for projects have been followed and their actual impact on the fragile ecosystem.