Karnataka Assembly passes resolution rejecting Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats conservation in present form

The resolution outlines several key demands and recommendations regarding the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) classification. According to the assembly's decision, approved areas, agricultural lands, plantations, and inhabited regions should be excluded from the ESA. It also mandates that separate survey numbers be clearly identified.

To address the shortcomings of the Kasturirangan report, the state has resolved to form a committee to conduct a physical survey and rectify existing discrepancies. Additionally, the resolution states that a high-level committee headed by a retired judge should be constituted.

Furthermore, the state government has decided to seek a one-year extension from the Government of India to address these concerns thoroughly.

The High-Level Working Group headed by K Kasturirangan recommended designating roughly 37% of the Western Ghats (around 56,825 sq km) as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).

The report covers over 20,000 sq km across 1,500+ villages in Karnataka, proposing strict bans on mining, quarrying, large thermal power projects, and heavy polluting industries, along with restrictions on construction and land-use changes.

Residents, agricultural communities, and elected representatives fear that ESA enforcement will lead to widespread displacement, curb developmental infrastructure, restrict traditional farming practices, and impose severe administrative hurdles on daily livelihoods in the Western Ghats belt.

Meanwhile, On Sunday, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar reaffirmed the state government's opposition to the Kasturirangan Committee report on the Western Ghats, emphasising that its implementation could severely disrupt local livelihoods and farming communities ahead of the special session.

Speaking to reporters in Hassan, Shivakumar highlighted that the state had previously rejected the recommendations during the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's earlier tenure, but the proposal was sent back by the Union Government for reconsideration. The Centre has requested Karnataka to clarify its final stance on the ecologically sensitive area (ESA) notifications by September 27.

To gauge public sentiment, Shivakumar conducted extensive field visits across affected coffee-growing and forest-fringe districts, including Chikkamagaluru, Karwar, Kodagu, Mysuru, and Shivamogga.

"We have asked the Central Government to convey its stance on the Kasturirangan Report by September 27. We had rejected this report during the Siddaramaiah government's tenure. However, the Central Government has sent it back to us. I have visited Chikkamagaluru, Karwar, Kodagu, and Mysuru to hold discussions. People have brought to my attention the potential disasters and the impact on their livelihoods if the report is implemented," said Shivakumar

Shivakumar criticised the opposition BJP for stalling previous deliberations on the matter, asserting that the state government remains committed to protecting the interests of farmers and forest-dwelling populations.

"We were prepared to discuss this in the Assembly, but the BJP did not allow it. For the BJP, politics is what matters most. Let them engage in politics. We have convened a special session; it begins tomorrow. I have gathered opinions regarding the sentiments of the people and farmers, as well as the situation of those living near forest areas. We will discuss these matters in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council," he said.

Highlighting the administration's broader push for grassroots governance, Shivakumar noted that state ministers have been instructed to visit rural areas weekly to address public grievances directly. (ANI)