Activist Urges Immediate Action to Protect Western Ghats Biodiversity

Environmental activist Akhilesh Chipli called for urgent measures to safeguard the biodiversity of the Western Ghats during a conference in Udupi, Karnataka. Speaking at the two-day 'Environment and Education' event organized by the Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti in memory of late activist Madhav Gadgil, Chipli warned that nature is signaling distress due to environmental degradation. He criticized political leaders and officials for previously dismissing Gadgil’s reports on bio-sensitive zones, which led to the activist's humiliation. Chipli highlighted recent devastating landslides in Kerala, Kodagu, Shiroor, and Ankola as ignored warnings. He also expressed concern over proposed nuclear power plants in Shivamogga district. The speaker lamented the lack of political condolences following Gadgil’s death in January 2026, despite Gadgil’s extensive work with native tribes to document the region's ecological significance. Other speakers included T.A. Prashanth Babu, P.V. Bhandary, and Santosh Nayak Patla. The event emphasized the need to heed scientific advice and protect ecological hotspots from destructive development projects.