Bengaluru: Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole has raised concerns in the Karnataka Assembly over the Centre’s seventh draft notification on declaring parts of the Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA), based on the Kasturirangan Committee report.
Gantihole said the proposed restrictions could have an impact on the livelihoods of rural communities and development activities in the affected areas. He urged the state government to provide clear information to residents about the areas covered under the notification.
Forest, Biology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the Central Government issued the seventh draft notification on July 27, 2026, and that the matter is currently under consideration by the state government.
Karnataka opposed earlier notifications
The minister said several areas identified by the Kasturirangan Committee are already covered under protected areas, notified forests or existing eco-sensitive zones. The state government has maintained that imposing additional restrictions could adversely affect local livelihoods without necessarily strengthening conservation efforts.
The state Cabinet had earlier decided to reject the previous draft notifications, and Karnataka conveyed its stand to the Centre on September 30, 2024, the minister said.
MLA seeks ground-level survey
Gantihole pointed out that, like the earlier six notifications, the seventh draft is also based largely on an aerial survey. Although latitude and longitude details of the identified villages have been provided, residents are unable to determine exactly where the proposed boundaries pass on the ground.
He therefore urged the government to conduct a physical survey of all notified villages before finalising its position.
According to him, a ground-level survey would help identify the actual livelihood conditions of residents, clarify the proposed boundaries and address public concerns. It would also enable the state government to gather accurate information and present a stronger, evidence-based position before the Centre.