Karnataka Government Rejects Kasturirangan Committee Report

September 27, 2024

The Karnataka government has decided to reject the Kasturirangan committee report, which was created to protect important ecological areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats. Despite earlier indications that the report might be reviewed, the government, after a Cabinet meeting, decided not to implement its recommendations.

Kasturirangan Committee Report

The Kasturirangan Committee was set up in 2012 to help create a National Wildlife Action Plan. Its main focus was to identify ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats and suggest ways to protect biodiversity. The committee stressed the importance of involving local communities in environmental management, seeking a balance between development and conservation. The report sparked debates about land use and environmental policies in India, especially regarding how to manage wildlife and ecosystems sustainably.

Political Opposition

Many politicians and local representatives from districts like Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi strongly oppose the report. They are concerned that following its recommendations could harm the livelihoods of people living in these areas. Local communities worry that the restrictions could limit their ability to carry out activities like farming or building, which are essential for their daily lives.

Government Response

The Karnataka Cabinet, led by Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, rejected the report, partly due to political pressure. The previous government, led by the BJP and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, also opposed the report. This shows that both past and present governments have resisted implementing the recommendations.

By rejecting the Kasturirangan report, there are now questions about how the government will protect the Western Ghats in the future. The decision highlights the challenge of balancing environmental protection with the needs of local communities. It shows how difficult it can be to implement environmental policies when there is strong local opposition.

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