Karnataka Rejects Kasturirangan Report, Residents Push for Western Ghats Protection

BANGALORE — Karnataka has rejected a comprehensive report by Dr. M. Kasturirangan on the protection of the Western Ghats, prompting a backlash from local residents and environmentalists who argue that the region’s biodiversity is under imminent threat. The report, which recommended the creation of an ecological sensitive zone (ESZ) and a ground survey, was dismissed by state officials as “unnecessary” and “politically motivated.”

Political Stance vs. Environmental Urgency

The Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has maintained that the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is already protected under existing state and national laws. In a statement released by the Department of Environment, officials said the state’s current conservation measures were sufficient and that the report’s recommendations would create bureaucratic delays.

In contrast, a coalition of residents from the Chikmagalur and Shimoga districts, along with national environmental groups such as the Centre for Ecological Sciences and the Indian Wildlife Protection Society, have taken to the streets and social media to demand the implementation of the ESZ. They argue that the report’s findings—highlighting increased deforestation, mining encroachments, and loss of endemic species—are evidence that immediate action is required.

Ground Survey and ESA Protection

The Hindustan Times reported that the state has requested a ground survey to assess the current ecological status of the Ghats. The survey, if conducted, would be a prerequisite for any further policy changes. However, environmentalists warn that delaying the survey could allow illegal logging and mining to intensify. “The time to act is now,” said a spokesperson for the Indian Wildlife Protection Society, noting that the region’s flora and fauna are already in decline.

Meanwhile, the Bangalore Mirror highlighted that the state’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet issued a formal notice to halt ongoing mining operations in the region. The agency’s silence has been cited as a sign of the government’s reluctance to enforce stricter controls.

Rejection of Kasturirangan Report

The Deccan Herald detailed that the Karnataka government formally rejected the report, citing concerns over its methodology and the potential economic impact on local communities. The report, authored by Dr. M. Kasturirangan, a former director of the Indian Institute of Science, had recommended the designation of a 1.5‑million‑hectare area as an ecological sensitive zone, a move that would restrict industrial activity and require a comprehensive land‑use plan.

In a press release, the state’s Minister for Forests, R. S. Reddy, said the government would “review the recommendations in light of the socio‑economic realities of the region.” The statement also noted that the government would “consult with stakeholders before making any decisions.”

Community Response and Legal Actions

Residents of the Kolar district have filed a petition with the Karnataka High Court, alleging that the state’s refusal to act violates the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. The petition claims that the lack of protective measures has led to a 12% decline in forest cover over the past decade.

Environmental groups have also approached the Supreme Court, seeking an emergency directive to enforce the ESA guidelines. The petition cites the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that reinforced the need for a “no‑cut” policy in the Western Ghats.

Implications for Biodiversity and Economy

Experts warn that the Western Ghats, home to more than 5,000 plant species and 1,000 animal species, face threats from unregulated mining, road construction, and tourism. The region’s water resources also supply over 30 million people across Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.

Economists argue that a balance must be struck between conservation and development. “The region’s economy depends on both tourism and agriculture, but unchecked exploitation could lead to long‑term losses,” said a senior economist from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore.

Next Steps

The state government has scheduled a meeting with environmental NGOs and local leaders for 10 October to discuss the report’s findings. In the meantime, the Department of Environment has announced a public consultation period that will run until 31 October, inviting comments on the proposed ESZ.

As the debate continues, residents and environmentalists remain steadfast in their demand for immediate protection measures, while the government emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that considers economic development.