Green issues facing the Nilgiris district in South India

Nilgiris is called the Blue Mountains, in reference to the hue in the air, which is more prominent in the winter like the kind we are experience these days. Historically, people have lived here in accordance with nature. They see nature as god’s gift and have been able to live off it without harming it in any way. All experts agree that we have tampered with the balance of nature for far too long.

We are living in an era when the importance of nature cannot be possibly overestimated. We understand that if nature is destroyed, it hits back. For example, in 2009, the landslides in Nilgiris district became a disaster of epic proportions.

Removal of plastic waste and garbage, the setting up of the elephant corridor and resettlement of tribals are seen as issues that are daunting for the district administration. Despite government initiatives, each of these concerns remained unresolved. “Removing of exotic weeds and trees should be a top priority. Otherwise, we will be destroying the natural abundance of the Nilgiris,” said Vijay Krishnaraj, former secretary, Nilgiris Wildlife Association, one of the oldest conservation bodies in the world (NWA was started in 1895).

“Tribals have traditional knowledge. For instance, badagas practice traditional agriculture…like growing English vegetables such as beans,apart from ragi and cholam. Millets in general have a cultural value which has to be preserved,” V Sivadass, managing trustee, NEST. He also pointed out that Paniyas in Gudalur are facing extinction.

“The Paniyas rarely if ever go to college though the general standards of education are improving. They mostly engage themselves in traditional occupations or do housework. For instance, they write from left to right.

We have to give special care for Paniyas for them to develop. People working with Paniyas have been trained and dedicated. One cannot deal with like normal people. Many tribals live with nature. The education system should be based on this fact. Even books should be modified to meet their needs.,” said Sivadass.

Experts say that exotic trees could be used as firewood in factories of the Nilgiris. There are 144 factories in the district and a majority of them produce tea. “All of the factories need firewood. The state government can devise a rationing system for using exotic trees as firewood instead of bringing wood all the way from the plains,” Vijay said.

The tea industry is running on a loss. “Tribals and the locals can be involved in preserving medical plants as they have a higher value. We need to move away from mono cropping,” said Sivadass. “Medicinal plants industry will give employment opportunities to tribals as they know how to pick the plants without causing any disturbance to nature. Tribals possess traditional knowledge in this regard,” he added.

Over the last few years, medicinal plants are being extracted from Gudalur to Kerala. There is a worldwide market for these plants through Ayurveda and Siddha medicinal systems.

Nilgiris Environment and Cultural Service Trust (NEST) has been active in the Nilgiris green scene from 2003. “The awareness over environment issues has improved a lot in the last 15 years,” said Sivadass. “Education on green issues has grown. Trees were associated with furniture. Now, people have really understood the need to conserve trees,” he added.

The timber lobby is very vocal and its power resonates strongly in government quarters.

Diesel pollution is high as the fuel is used by lorries to bring firewood and about 100–150 litres of diesel is burned per vehicle. This poses a risk. About 14 tons of firewood is brought to Nilgiris from places like Madurai, Karur and Tirupur. This practice can be stopped after a proper study and locally available firewood can be used. “A ton of firewood costs Rs 3,400 to Rs 4,000 depending on the quality of wood. However, if done locally the cost is cut by less than half,” the conservationist added.

“The government needs to provide factory owners with permits so that they are allowed to cut and use exotic trees. Crores has already been spent in studying exotic plants and trees and now the time has come when we will put all that to good use,” he added.

The issue of the so-called elephant corridor has widely been discussed in the media. “The ‘elephant corridor’ issue is pending before the court. The government has to provide compensation and take land into its custody and create the corridor. The funding has been an issue,” Vijay said.

Sivadass agrees: “The Asian Elephant was an endangered species. Even lay people know that the species requires saving. Even plant diversity has become a critical issue of which people are aware.”

Sivadass says that educating school students is important and his organisation, NEST, has been involved with the National Green Corps. He is the coordinator in the Coonoor educational district.

Experts are sure the grasslands have to be maintained and the sholas conserved.

“The Upper Plateau is home to many species not endemic to Ooty. This is also a problem.Species like Cobras and Russell Vipers arrive in the lorries from the plains,” said Vijay.

The construction sector has to be regulated even further. RCC buildings should be banned. Instead, old style Colonial constructions with their nature-friendly styles should be encouraged. Too many houses are built even in one acre of land. So, water also become a rare commodity as everyone needs it.

Tourism is also adversely affecting the environment. At least, 3,000–4,000 vehicles come to Ooty every weekend. The tourists should not be allowed to pollute and litter. This has to be regulated.

“Economics of Nilgiris is dependant on nature. Agriculture and tourism depends on nature. Moreover, Nilgiris is the overhead tank for the plains. The Upper Plateau is rich with natural forest reserves. Agriculture in the plains depends on the Plateau. This is why the hill has to be protected to preserve the plains,” Sivadass said.

“Man-animal conflict is also widespread. You could never see a Ghar in human habitats and on roads during my school days. Now you see them everywhere. In the last 10 years, the conflict has increased,” said Vijay.

When asked how endangered species could be protected, Sivadass said: “Medicinal plants grow in the Nilgiris. There are three types of micro-climates. Endemic plants for each of this micro-climates must be conserved.”

There are two types of ways to conserve endemic, medicinal plants — exist and insist. The former is to preserve the plants by bringing it out of it natural site of growth. The latter is to preserve it in its original location.

NEST has been organising one-day awareness workshops for teachers as part of the B.Ed Training Programme. “NSS and NCC volunteers have been involved with spreading awareness at the student level,” Sivadass.

On the issue of tribal welfare, Sivadass said private people cannot take care of their special needs. “The government — state and central — must take it forward carefully. The government schemes are good at the policy. But implementation is poor. For example, they have started schools, but dedicated people to work in this sector are not readily available,” Sivadass.

Recasting Mark Twain’s quote, Nature knows no indecencies. It is us humans who came up with the idea. We will do good to remember that it was us who invented fire. Experts may not agree, but even a commonsensical approach towards the issue calls for preserving nature, especially when it is pristine as it is in the Nilgiris.