Bengaluru, Aug 26 — Karnataka School Education and Literacy Minister and In-Charge Minister for Shivamogga Madhu Bangarappa on Wednesday assured farmers in the district's Malenadu region that there is no need for them to worry over the Kasturirangan Committee report, stating that the state government will not allow its implementation.
In a video statement, Bangarappa, noting that the Centre has issued the seventh draft notification proposing the identification of ecologically sensitive areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats based on the recommendations of the Kasturirangan Committee, said that the Karnataka Assembly had already passed a resolution rejecting the report and the decision had been officially communicated to the Centre.
Despite this, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has once again issued a draft notification identifying ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats, he said.
"This is condemnable. The state government cannot accept this draft notification. A clear decision has already been taken on the matter, and Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy has also made an official statement in the Assembly," Bangarappa said.
According to the latest draft notification, 20,668 sq km covering 1,576 villages in Karnataka has been proposed to be classified as ecologically sensitive areas. As many as 484 villages in Shivamogga district are included in the proposed list.
Bangarappa said the inclusion of inhabited areas and agricultural land under the proposed ESA has naturally caused concern among farmers in Malenadu. However, he assured them that the state government would oppose the notification and would not permit its implementation.
"Our government will not allow any action that affects the interests of Malenadu farmers. We stand with farmers, and their interests will be protected," he said.
He said senior Congress leader R.V. Deshpande and legislators Bheemanna T. Naik, T.D. Rajegowda, H.D. Thammaiah and A.S. Ponnanna had raised the issue both inside and outside the Assembly. The government, he added, had clearly stated that it would not allow the report to be implemented.
Bangarappa also criticised Opposition leaders for allegedly creating confusion among farmers instead of condemning the Centre's decision. He accused the Opposition of disrupting the Monsoon Session of the Assembly instead of allowing a discussion on the issue.
He said he had personally discussed the matter with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who had also announced the government's decision to oppose the draft notification and assured that the government would stand with farmers.
"The government will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Malenadu farmers. Therefore, farmers need not have any apprehension regarding the Kasturirangan report," Bangarappa said.
Recalling his father and former Karnataka Chief Minister S. Bangarappa's commitment to farmers and the common people, he said he was committed to following his father's path.
"My father, former CM late S. Bangarappa, always stood with farmers and the common people. Upholding his ideals is my goal. I am following his path and will not allow farmers to suffer injustice under any circumstances," he said.