The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stern warning to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala for disregarding its directives to protect the green cover in the Cauvery basin. The tribunal registered a case based on a media report that revealed a significant loss of natural vegetation in the region.
Loss of Natural Vegetation
According to the report, between 1965 and 2016, approximately 12,850 square kilometers of natural vegetation in the Cauvery basin was lost. This alarming rate of deforestation has raised serious environmental concerns, prompting the NGT to take suo motu cognizance of the matter.
NGT's Warning
The NGT expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of action from the three state governments. It warned that continued negligence would lead to stricter measures, including possible fines and legal consequences. The tribunal has directed the states to submit detailed reports on steps taken to restore and preserve the green cover in the basin.
Environmental Impact
The depletion of green cover in the Cauvery basin has far-reaching implications, including reduced water retention, increased soil erosion, and adverse effects on local biodiversity. The NGT emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts among the states to mitigate these impacts.
Next Steps
The tribunal has scheduled the next hearing for July 2026, giving the states a deadline to comply with its orders. Environmental activists have welcomed the NGT's intervention, urging the governments to prioritize ecological restoration over developmental projects.
