Karnataka Legislature Unanimously Adopts Resolution Calling for Changes to Kasturirangan Draft Notification

The Karnataka Legislature has unanimously passed a resolution calling for modifications to the Kasturirangan draft notification, which pertains to the management of ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats. This decision reflects the concerns of various stakeholders regarding the potential implications of the original draft on local communities and conservation efforts.

The Kasturirangan report, submitted in 2013, recommended the protection of approximately 57,000 square kilometers of land in the Western Ghats, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to their rich biodiversity. The notification aims to regulate development activities in these sensitive regions to balance ecological preservation and economic growth.

Local legislators have expressed worries that the existing draft may impose restrictions that could adversely affect the livelihoods of residents in the region, including farmers and small business owners. The resolution emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review of the draft to accommodate the socio-economic needs of the local population while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Further discussions are expected among government officials, environmentalists, and community leaders as the legislature seeks to address these concerns and foster a collaborative approach to resource management in the Western Ghats. The government is likely to initiate consultations to gather feedback and incorporate suggestions into the revised notification.