Karnataka Rejects Latest Kasturirangan ESA Draft, Requests One Year for Fresh Survey

The Karnataka government has officially rejected the latest draft of the Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) report prepared by the Kasturirangan Committee. This decision was announced following a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The committee had proposed the establishment of ESAs in the Western Ghats, a region recognized for its rich biodiversity.

In response, the Karnataka government is requesting a one-year extension to conduct a fresh survey of the area. Authorities argue that the current draft does not adequately consider local concerns and the socio-economic implications for the communities residing in these regions.

The Kasturirangan Committee, which was formed in 2013, aimed to enhance conservation efforts in the Western Ghats, which spans several states. The committee had suggested that about 1.5 lakh hectares of land be declared as ESA, leading to potential restrictions on developmental activities in these zones.

The request for more time indicates that Karnataka seeks to engage with local stakeholders and gather more comprehensive data to inform any future proposals. This development underscores the ongoing tension between environmental conservation efforts and local governance, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.