Bengaluru: Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy has said conservation of the Western Ghats must go hand in hand with protecting the rights and livelihoods of farmers, horticulturists, tribals and other local residents.
Participating in the discussion on the Kasturirangan report during the special session of the Legislative Assembly, Reddy said the government had to strike a balance between environmental protection and the needs of communities living in the Western Ghats.
“The environment and people’s livelihoods must both be protected. Conservation of the Western Ghats and protection of the rights and livelihoods of people living there must proceed in a balanced manner,” he said.
Karnataka opposes draft notification
Reddy said the seventh draft notification issued by the Centre on July 27 proposes declaring 56,825.7 sq km across six Western Ghats states as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
In Karnataka, the proposal covers around 20,668 sq km and 1,449 villages across 10 districts, he said.
Reddy noted that the notification is still at the draft stage and allows states and stakeholders to submit objections and suggestions. He said the state cabinet decided on September 3 to reject the draft in its present form and has conveyed Karnataka’s position to the Centre.
Reddy said residents were concerned about agricultural and horticultural land, houses and settlements potentially falling within the proposed ESA.
He called for village- and survey-number-level physical surveys to distinguish natural forests, agricultural and horticultural land, settlements and water bodies, arguing that ground realities should be verified rather than relying solely on satellite imagery.
He also proposed publicly displaying village maps, inviting objections from residents and finalising boundaries after considering the feedback.
Basic amenities should not be affected
The minister said conservation measures should not unnecessarily hinder agriculture, housing or essential infrastructure. Clear provisions, he said, were needed for basic facilities such as roads, schools, hospitals, drinking water, electricity and housing.
At the same time, Reddy said the government would not support activities such as illegal mining and sand mining, excessive hill cutting, encroachment or activities causing serious pollution.
He said Karnataka would present its objections during discussions with the Centre and work towards preparing detailed village-level maps and obtaining local feedback.
Reddy also sought special financial assistance from the Centre for Western Ghats conservation, water-source protection, landslide prevention, forest regeneration and alternative livelihood programmes.
“This is not an issue concerning any single party. It concerns the ecology of the Western Ghats, water security and the future of the people living there. Therefore, a united and non-partisan approach is essential,” Reddy said.