The Karnataka government officially rejected the Kasturirangan panel report for protecting the Western Ghats from environmental degradation.
About Kasturirangan Panel Report:
- The report recommends declaring 37% of the Western Ghats, approximately 60,000 square kilometers as eco-sensitive.
- It split the Western Ghats into cultural (human settlements) and natural (non-human settlements) regions. It was suggested that cultural lands be designated as an ESA.
- This included three categories:
- The red list entailed a ban on mining, stone quarrying, thermal plans and certain construction and township projects.
- The orange category had activities that would be regulated and taken up with appropriate permissions.
- The green category allows all agricultural and horticultural activities and commercial activities.
- In Karnataka, this includes around 20,668 square kilometers and affects over 1,500 villages.
Issued associated with the Report:
- The panel’s approach to demarcating zones raised significant concerns due to its reliance on remote sensing and aerial survey techniques without adequate ground verification.
- Lack of on-the-ground examination resulted in inaccuracies, including the classification of areas with rubber plantations as ecologically sensitive, despite the absence of actual forest land.
- The current structure places decision-making power in the hands of bureaucrats and forest officials rather than local gram sabhas (village councils), which undermines community involvement.
- There is widespread apprehension among farmers that the implementation could lead to their eviction from the land.
- Concerns have been raised that allowing mining and quarrying activities, along with the expansion of tourism, could lead to severe environmental degradation.
- Potential consequences include water shortages, increased pollution, and a decline in agricultural viability.
- The report has been criticized for including ecologically non-sensitive areas in the Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) designation while neglecting to protect many genuinely sensitive regions.
Ref: Source
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Frequently Asked Question:
What is the Western Ghats?
The Western Ghats is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India, recognized for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance.
What does the report recommend regarding the Western Ghats?
The report recommends declaring approximately 37% of the Western Ghats, or about 60,000 square kilometers, as eco-sensitive areas (ESAs).
How is the Western Ghats divided in the report?
The report divides the Western Ghats into two main regions: cultural (human settlements) and natural (non-human settlements).
What are the three categories of eco-sensitive areas proposed in the report?
The proposed categories include banned activities Red List (mining, stone quarrying, thermal power plants), Orange Category (require regulation and appropriate permissions), Green Category (allows all agricultural, horticultural, and commercial activities).