DH News Service BANGALORE, May 10 The Western Ghats would be severely affected if the course of Bedthi river in Uttara Kannada district is diverted to connect it to river Varada, warned Srimadgangadharendra Saraswathi Swamiji of Sonda Swarnawalli Math today. Any damage caused to Western Ghats would be irreparable as it would affect the ecological balance of the entire Southern India, he added. Speaking after inaugurating the diamond jubilee celebrations of Havyaka Mahasabha here, the Swamiji said the Western Ghats have been protecting the Southern States from natural calamities like major earthquakes besides providing shelter for a variety of flora and fauna. The monk, who earned the name ‘Green swamiji’ for an important role he played during the agitation against the construction of Bedthi dam in Uttara Kannada, further said that he was not against linking of rivers but was worried about the loss to be caused to the ecology and environment. The seer also criticised the massive destruction of forests in the State while stressing the need for protecting the forests for future good. He also called for a debate on the origin of Havyaka Brahmins as there were different opinions in this regard within the community. One group believed that Havyaka Brahmins had migrated from hichhtra in Uttar Pradesh and another claim said that Havyakas were Dravidians. Releasing a souvenir, Major Industries Minister R V Deshpande called upon heads of maths representing Brahmin community to come together. He urged the religious institutions to take up development works for the benefit of poor. Spiking the argument that Brahmins have no job opportunities, Mr Deshpande said those with brilliance and honesty would certainly get opportunities in this competitive world. He also opposed caste-based politics stating that it would destroy the foundation of democracy. The minister announced Rs 2 lakh grant to a building to be constructed by the Swarnawalli math here.ÿ