Kasturirangan draft unacceptable if it curbs farming: Ponnanna
MLA A.S. Ponnanna has stated that the Kasturirangan draft notification is unacceptable if it restricts agricultural activities in Kodagu. He emphasized that while environmental protection is necessary, it must not come at the cost of local livelihoods.
Why it matters
The tension between environmental conservation and rural economic survival remains a significant policy challenge in India's Western Ghats region.
Chief Minister’s Political Secretary and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna has said the Kasturirangan draft notification cannot be accepted in its present form if it imposes restrictions on agricultural activities and adversely affects the livelihood of people in Kodagu.
Speaking at an interaction organised by the Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association in Madikeri on Saturday, Mr. Ponnanna said environmental protection and safeguarding the interests of local people must go hand-in-hand.
“The Western Ghats and the environment must certainly be protected. Only their protection can ensure ecological balance and the well-being of the country. However, the facts surrounding the Kasturirangan report must be understood rather than taking a stand merely for or against it,” he said.
He said implementation of the report could adversely affect rural livelihoods and agricultural activities. People were already facing difficulties due to several restrictions imposed by the Forest Department, he added.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in