The Karnataka government plans to recommend the rejection of a draft notification related to the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats. Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced this decision during a session of the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
The issue was raised during a discussion under Rule 69 by Virajpet MLA and chief minister’s political secretary AS Ponnanna, who highlighted concerns among farmers and residents of Kodagu and other Malnad districts over the latest draft notification issued by the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change on July 26.
Karnataka Government Moves to Reject Controversial Western Ghats Report
The Karnataka government has recommended the rejection of a proposed notification concerning the Western Ghats, a decision that aims to alleviate concerns among thousands of families residing in the region. This move is expected to bolster the state’s stance against the implementation of a contentious report related to environmental regulations.
Ponnanna, a key figure in the discussion, expressed that the matter should prioritize the interests of farmers and local residents rather than becoming a political issue. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized the need for the government to take a definitive position against the report’s implementation to reduce anxiety among affected communities.
The Kasturirangan committee was constituted after widespread opposition to the Gadgil report on protecting the Western Ghats. Kasturi Rangans committee recommended identifying ecologically sensitive areas and restricting activities such as mining, quarrying and certain large infrastructure and industrial projects. The proposed restrictions have triggered opposition from residents and elected representatives in several Western Ghats districts, who fear that stringent environmental regulations could affect agriculture, construction, infrastructure development and livelihoods.
Reacting to him minister Ramalinga Reddy said the Kasturirangan report would have implications for 39 taluks across 10 districts in Karnataka. The state has 60 days to submit its objections to the draft notification. The Gadgil committee submitted report on August 11, 2011 while Kasturi Rangans committee submitted report on April 15, 2013.
He said the state had earlier opposed the recommendations and would once again recommend their rejection.
