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Karnataka Assembly Rejects Kasturirangan Report Over Western Ghats ESA
Karnataka lawmakers do not accept the current plan for protecting parts of the Western Ghats.
The plan is based on a report led by K Kasturirangan.
It would place about 20,668 square kilometres and 1,449 villages in Karnataka under environmental rules.
The state says the proposed area includes farms, plantations, homes and public facilities, not just forests.
Lawmakers also say the boundaries were drawn from satellite images instead of detailed checks on the ground.
They worry the rules could make it harder to build houses or manage family property.
Karnataka wants experts to measure the land using official survey numbers.
It has asked for one year to complete this work before the national government makes a final decision.
The Karnataka Assembly unanimously rejected the Kasturirangan report in its present form and sought revisions.
A July 27, 2026 draft notification proposed protecting 20,668 square kilometres across 1,449 villages in 10 Karnataka districts.
The resolution said forests, farmland, plantations, houses and public infrastructure were included in the proposed ecologically sensitive area.
Karnataka objected that boundaries were based on satellite data without a joint physical survey or precise survey numbers.
The state requested a one-year survey period, livelihood assistance for affected people and further talks before a final decision.
- Who
- The Karnataka Assembly, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, and the Government of India are involved; the report was prepared by a working group led by K Kasturirangan.
- What
- The Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the Kasturirangan report and seeking changes to the proposed Environmentally Sensitive Area notification.
- Where
- The proposal concerns the Western Ghats in Karnataka, covering 1,449 villages across 10 districts.
- When
- The resolution was passed on Tuesday, September 22; the report does not specify the year for that date. The cited draft notification was issued on July 27, 2026.
- Why
- Karnataka objected to the inclusion of agricultural land, plantations, settlements and public infrastructure, as well as boundaries prepared without a joint physical survey.
Karnataka Assembly’s objections
Proposed ESA notification
What should be protected
Karnataka Assembly’s objections
Karnataka wants the ESA to include specified and other forest areas while excluding agricultural and horticultural land, plantations, human settlements and public-activity areas, except those already approved or sanctioned.
Proposed ESA notification
The draft notification proposes an ESA covering 20,668 square kilometres and 1,449 villages, including forest areas, farmland, plantations and houses.
How boundaries should be set
Karnataka Assembly’s objections
The state wants an expert committee to physically measure and separately identify forests, settlements, sensitive areas and agricultural activity using survey numbers.
Proposed ESA notification
The resolution says the proposed boundaries were prepared using satellite data and lack precise survey-number boundaries.
Effect on local residents
Karnataka Assembly’s objections
Karnataka says the proposal could create problems involving house construction, family-property division and inheritance, and wants alternative livelihoods and economic assistance.
Proposed ESA notification
The report and draft notification provide the basis for ESA restrictions, while the Assembly said the Kasturirangan report did not propose special economic or livelihood support.
Key facts
- Proposed ESA area
- Approximately 20,668 square kilometres in Karnataka
- Villages covered
- 1,449 villages across 10 districts
- Draft notification
- Seventh draft Environmentally Sensitive Area notification issued on July 27, 2026
- Boundary method
- Satellite data, without a joint physical survey, according to the resolution
- State request
- One year to physically measure and verify survey numbers
- Affected groups
- Farmers and workers potentially affected by ESA restrictions
- Further process
- The Centre was asked to discuss the state’s report before making a final decision
Quotes
Karnataka Assembly resolution
Resolution passed by the Karnataka Legislative Assembly
“On July 27, 2026, the Government of India issued the seventh draft Environmentally Sensitive Area notification based on the Kasturirangan report, identifying approximately 20,668 square kilometres covering 1,449 villages in 10 districts of Karnataka under the ESA.”
theprint.in
“After the state government submits its report, the government of India should hold a detailed discussion with the state government on the issue and only thereafter take a final decision.”
theprint.in
Sources
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