Karnataka CM to hold meetings in Udupi, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru on Kasturirangan report
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is set to hold public meetings to address local opposition to the Kasturirangan Committee report on Western Ghats conservation. Residents fear the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area notification will negatively impact their livelihoods.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing tension between environmental conservation efforts and the economic interests of rural communities in India.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will hold a series of meetings in the coastal and Malnad regions this weekend on the K. Kasturirangan Committee report, which led to a draft notification proposing to declare areas in Karnataka across the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA).
Following the seventh draft notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on July 28, the people of the Malnad and coastal regions have held several protests opposing the ESA notification. They fear that if the notification comes into effect, their livelihoods would be badly affected. The notification concerns 20,668 sq. km spread over 10 districts and covering 1,576 villages. The Chief Minister has also announced that a special legislature session will be held on the issue.
Recently, residents of Shivamogga organised protests in various taluks to highlight the issue and to register their opposition to the notification.
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