1 hr ago
Karnataka Seeks Local Input Before Kasturirangan Decision Deadline
Karnataka is deciding what to tell the Centre about the Kasturirangan report.
The report identifies areas in the Western Ghats that may receive stronger environmental protection.
People living in some of these areas say satellite surveys did not show the real situation on the ground.
They want the government to conduct a physical survey first.
They also want Karnataka to consider a method that Kerala used.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said he would listen to residents before making a decision.
The issue will be discussed in a special Assembly session.
Karnataka must send its response to the Centre by September 27.
The government also plans to consider changes to the period for claiming some forest rights.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar began consultations in Udupi’s Western Ghats villages on the Kasturirangan report.
Residents and local representatives urged Karnataka to conduct a physical survey before deciding its recommendations.
Shivakumar said local views would inform the state’s response to the Centre, due by September 27.
The report will be discussed during a three-day special Assembly session beginning Monday.
The government also said it would consider a uniform 25-year period for certain Forest Rights Act claims.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, residents, local organisations and elected representatives.
- What
- The state is gathering local views and considering a physical survey before finalising its position on the Kasturirangan report.
- Where
- Hebri in Udupi district and other Western Ghats areas, including Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru.
- When
- Consultations began on Friday; the state’s response is due to the Centre by September 27, and the report will be discussed on Monday.
- Why
- Residents say the satellite-based survey included populated areas and did not accurately reflect local conditions.
Local Survey Advocates
Report-Based Environmental Protection
How areas should be identified
Local Survey Advocates
Residents and local representatives want a physical survey because they say the satellite-based survey failed to distinguish inhabited areas from forests.
Report-Based Environmental Protection
The existing Kasturirangan report is based on a satellite-based GPS survey, which identifies areas proposed for environmental protection.
Treatment of populated areas
Local Survey Advocates
Representatives want populated areas and places with limited protected forest cover removed from the report’s coverage, arguing that residents fear future restrictions on land and homes.
Report-Based Environmental Protection
The report’s proposed coverage remains under consideration as part of efforts involving conservation of the Western Ghats; the articles do not state a separate official response defending every included area.
State’s decision-making process
Local Survey Advocates
Local groups want Karnataka to follow Kerala’s example, appoint an expert committee and present the findings to the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal.
Report-Based Environmental Protection
The state has not yet taken a final position and plans to consider local views before sending its recommendations to the Centre.
Key facts
- Initial consultation
- Hebri, Udupi district
- Decision deadline
- September 27
- Assembly discussion
- The report is scheduled for the first day of a three-day special session.
- Requested action
- Residents and representatives want an expert committee to conduct a physical survey.
- Kerala comparison
- Representatives said Kerala’s survey reduced the area covered by the report to about 9,000 square kilometres.
- Reported coverage
- Representatives said the report covers nearly 20,000 square kilometres in Karnataka and around 13,000 square kilometres in Kerala.
- Forest rights proposal
- The government is considering a uniform 25-year period for certain Forest Rights Act claims.
Quotes
DK Shivakumar
Chief Minister of Karnataka
“You have brought the problems you are facing because of the Kasturirangan report and the eco-sensitive zones to my notice. We have to send our decision to the Centre by September 27. We have come here so that your opinion becomes our opinion.”
deccanchronicle.com
“The Kasturirangan report would be taken up on the first day of the session on Monday. I will also visit Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru regions to hear the views of people there before finalizing the stand.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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