Karnataka Government Opposes Kasturirangan Report, Plans Public Consultation With Malnad Farmers

The Karnataka government has renewed its opposition to the implementation of the Kasturirangan Report in the Western Ghats, with the state government citing concerns about its possible impact on farmers and residents in the Malnad region.

Karnataka Minister Madhu Bangarappa said the Congress-led state government would not support implementation of the report in its current form. The government has argued that declaring inhabited villages as Eco-Sensitive Areas could create difficulties for local communities and agricultural activities.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled to visit Shivamogga district on September 19 to meet affected farmers and residents and gather their views on the issue. Shivamogga has a significant number of villages identified under the Eco-Sensitive Area classification associated with the report.

The Kasturirangan Report concerns the conservation of the Western Ghats and proposes measures aimed at protecting ecologically sensitive areas. The issue has generated discussions between environmental concerns and the interests of communities living and working in the region.

The Karnataka government's position has become an important part of the state's politics, particularly because the proposed environmental restrictions could affect agriculture, construction and other activities in parts of the Western Ghats.