Disasters in Western Ghats should ring alarm bells about environmental destruction, says activist Medha Patkar
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Activist Medha Patkar and others felicitate activist Shivaji Dada Kaganikar at the release of his autobiography Sarvodayacha Vatasaru, in Belagavi on October 4, 2026. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
“Landslides, terrace collapses and other such disasters on the Western Ghats should open our eyes to the dangers of environmental destruction. They should act as alarm bells about the immediate need to conserve and protect the environment,” Medha Patkar, activist, said in Belagavi on October 4.
“We see that most governments are focussed on large projects. They continue to neglect smaller, community-led projects like watershed development, lake rejuvenation, and other decentralised alternatives. Successive governments in India seem deeply interested in designing and implementing large schemes, like the Mahadayi river basin project, and mega dam projects. However, the US has decided to cancel over 1,900 dam projects. Several European countries have passed resolutions against mega dams and reservoirs. That is mainly because they involve destruction and large-scale dislocation of families and settlements. Unfortunately, we are yet to think in such terms,” she said.
She questioned the continued emphasis on large dam projects despite concerns over their environmental and social consequences. She also questioned the acquisition of thousands of acres for the proposed Belagavi Ring Road, saying people’s needs should not be sacrificed in the name of development.
She was speaking after releasing the Marathi autobiography, Sarvodayacha Vatasaru, chronicling the life of social activist and Devraj Urs awardee Shivaji Dada Kaganikar.
The book, written by Dr. Kaganikar in Marathi and translated into Kannada by Sharada Gopal, was released at Gogte Rangmandir in the School of Culture. Vijay Diwan of the Vinoba Bhave Pratishthan, Raigad, was among those who addressed the gathering.
Ms. Patkar recalled her association with Dr. Kaganikar. She said his work in rural areas reflected the principles of Gram Swarajya, Sarvodaya, and social justice. “His efforts to educate people, promote water conservation, and develop lakes, besides implementing more than 30,000 biogas units and planting over 2.5 lakh trees, are so remarkable that they inspire generations,” she said. She praised his fight against corruption and his efforts to secure justice for underprivileged communities and daily-wage workers under the MGNREGS.
Dr. Kaganikar, who began as a labourer in a public sector undertaking, said he never thought of writing about himself.
“I have spent my life working in villages and educating people through my work. I gathered friends and fellow activists through study circles. Most of the work on the book was done by Mr. Diwan, writer Nila Apte, and others who spent months documenting my life, which eventually took the form of the autobiography. The book will be formally published by Sevagram Publications on October 18,” he said.
The programme featured children dressed as eminent personalities, like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, B. R. Ambedkar, Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule, Baba Amte, Salim Ali, Sundarlal Bahuguna, Salumarada Thimmakka, Mother Teresa, Greta Thunberg, and Malala Yousafzai.
Ms. Apte, who introduced the guests, said that Dr. Kaganikar had received the Rajyotsava Award, Devaraj Urs Award, and honorary doctorates from two universities.
Subhash Oulkar welcomed the guests, that included Prakash Maragale, Vikram Patil, Malojirao Ashtekar, and Indrajit More.
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