Karnataka rejects Kasturirangan report

Karnataka has rejected the sixth draft notification of the Kasturirangan report that proposes the demarcation of eco-sensitive areas (ESA) in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats. The sixth draft notification issued by the Centre sought to declare over 56,800 sq km of the Western Ghats spread across six states of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat, as ESA.

Key-points made by the state government

• Impact on Local Communities: The proposed ESAs would negatively impact the livelihoods of people residing in 1,499 villages across 33 taluks. There is a strong belief that the designation could restrict access to land and resources critical for these communities.
• The Karnataka government has already notified and protected 16,632 sq km of forest land in the form of sanctuaries, national parks, and eco-sensitive zones. The remaining area has about 1,533 homes, villages, and other human dwelling units and we need to protect the rights and livelihood of people living here.
• The state has formally requested that the MoEF&CC withdraw the notification to avoid exacerbating tensions and hardships for local populations.

What is Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)?

• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are areas designated around protected wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to create a buffer that reduces human impact on these sensitive ecosystems.
• They aim to conserve biodiversity and provide a sustainable habitat for flora and fauna.
• They are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
  • Protected areas cover 5.26% of India’s land area as 108 national parks and 564 wildlife sanctuaries. They are notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
• Purpose: The establishment of ESZs is intended to protect the environment while allowing for regulated human activities, balancing ecological conservation with development.
• ESZ Guidelines classify activities under three categories:
  • Prohibited: Commercial Mining, Setting of Saw Mills, Setting of industries causing pollution, the establishment of major hydroelectric projects etc.
  • Regulated:Felling of Trees, Establishment of hotels and resorts, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agricultural systems etc.
  • Permitted:Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities, rainwater harvesting, organic farming etc.