This has reference to Mr N G Neginhal`s letter (DH, July 18) on the need to protect the Kudremukh area and Mahadei river complex. While endorsing his views, I wish to point out that if we are now adapted to the understanding of the true value of conservation, we should at all levels agree to drop any kind of project or development that would lead to degradation and destruction of high value pristine forests, especially in the Western Ghats.
The Kudremakh and the Mahadei river valley are two such areas which have high value pristine forests. They must be preserved at any cost. In fact, I had the rare opportunity to carry out an ornithological survey of the Mahadei river complex in 1993. I found a wide range of common and rare bird species like trogon, minivet and blue-bearded bee-eater and other similar flycatcher like birds thriving on winged insects dwelling on river bank vegetation with tall trees. If these are engulfed because of dam construction, the species will be forced to abandon the area altogether along with other wildlife.
All lovers of nature, conservation and wildlife experts should exert pressure on the Government to drop forthwith all such projects in the Western Ghats.
Dr J C UTTANGI
Dharwad