Belagavi: The Karnataka government has formally communicated its clear and firm rejection of the draft notification issued by the Union Government based on the Dr. Kasturirangan Committee report, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre informed the Legislative Council on Monday.
Responding to a starred question raised by MLC Ivan D’Souza during Question Hour, the minister said the state cabinet has already taken a decision rejecting the recommendations of the Kasturirangan Committee and the consequent draft notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) declaring parts of the Western Ghats as Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESA).
The minister clarified that the Karnataka government’s official stand rejecting the draft notification was formally conveyed to the Centre through a written communication dated September 30, 2024, in accordance with the cabinet decision.
Addressing concerns raised by members regarding prolonged uncertainty and developmental restrictions in Malnad and coastal districts, Khandre categorically stated that the Kasturirangan report has not been implemented till date, and therefore, there is no question of development coming to a halt in these regions due to the report.
“The draft notification issued by the Centre based on the Kasturirangan Committee recommendations has been rejected by the state government. Our position has already been communicated clearly,” the minister told the House.
The clarification comes amid sustained opposition from farmers, local residents, and elected representatives in Western Ghats regions, who have repeatedly flagged concerns over land-use restrictions, livelihood impact, and ambiguity surrounding eco-sensitive zoning.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಕರಡು ಅಧಿಸೂಚನೆಗೆ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಬ್ರೇಕ್: ಕಸ್ತೂರಿ ರಂಗನ್ ವರದಿ ಜಾರಿಗೆ ‘ಇಲ್ಲ’
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