Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar promises to stand by farmers on Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has pledged to protect the interests of traditional farmers regarding the Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats conservation. He has directed the Forest Department to halt eviction notices to traditional cultivators while the government reviews the draft notification.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing conflict between environmental conservation efforts and the land rights of indigenous and traditional farming communities in India.
Responding to pleas to oppose the draft notification proposing to declare areas across the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive area (ESA), Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that he would stand by the farming community. He directed the Forest Department not to issue notices to traditional cultivators over forest encroachment.
During a public consultation on the K. Kasturirangan report at Tirthahalli on September 19, Mr. Shivakumar said he understands the problems faced by people in the Malnad region. He told the Forest Department not to issue fresh notices to any traditional cultivator, adding that it should not allow fresh encroachment either. “Let the department protect forests. But the traditional cultivators should not be disturbed,” he said.
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