The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Development takes a toll on nature

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Friday, Mar 28, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Development takes a toll on nature

S. Harpal Singh

Quarrying activity for four-laning of NH-7 affects hillocks

Heritage lost: This hillock near Ichoda mandal headquarter seems destined to disappear as it is a good source of gravel.

ADILABAD: Major developmental activity like the four-laning of national highways also attracts attention towards the cost being paid for it in terms of environmental destruction. The road-widening work on NH-7 in Adilabad district serves as a typical example of nature being sacrificed at the altar of development.

Huge quantity of gravel is required for laying the new four-lane road. A hillock near Ichoda mandal headquarter village holds the promise of yielding the wanted quantity of gravel for the works.

Disappear

However, the great earthen mound will disappear in the process.

Adilabad is a district known for its thick forests and numerous hills and hillocks. Those in favour of development argue that no significant damage to local environment will be caused because only one or two of the many hillocks will disappear from the horizon.

People opposed to such activity point out to the unseen damage caused to the environment due to mindless quarrying.

“Hills support diverse plant and animal life. Though it may not be too visible, the flora and fauna on the hill and nearby is certainly affected because of its disappearance. In the long run, this will have an effect on the food chain,” says Gopal Kishan, Botany lecturer in Government PG Degree College for Men.

Environmentalists point out that geodynamics has helped nature exist in myriad forms of geographic features like hills, rivers and so on.

“Each of these contributes towards maintaining the ecological balance.

Any form of tinkering therefore is not advisable,” Mr. Kishan said.

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