Karnataka School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa, who also serves as In-Charge Minister for Shivamogga, on Wednesday, 26 August assured farmers in the Malenadu region that the state government will not allow the Kasturirangan Committee report to be implemented, urging them to set aside any fears over the Centre's latest draft notification on ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats.

What the Centre Has Proposed

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued its seventh draft notification proposing the identification of ecologically sensitive areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats based on the Kasturirangan Committee's recommendations. Under the latest draft, 20,668 sq km across 1,576 villages in Karnataka has been proposed for ESA classification. Of these, 484 villages fall within Shivamogga district alone, encompassing inhabited areas and active agricultural land.

Karnataka's Firm Stand Against the Notification

Bangarappa, speaking in a video statement, underlined that the Karnataka Legislative Assembly had already passed a resolution rejecting the Kasturirangan report, and that this decision had been formally communicated to the Centre. He described the Union ministry's decision to proceed with a fresh draft notification despite the state's objection as 'condemnable.'

'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.

He added that he had personally discussed the issue with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who has publicly announced the government's opposition to the notification and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting farmers' interests.

Political Voices and Assembly Debate

Senior Congress leader R.V. Deshpande and legislators Bheemanna T. Naik, T.D. Rajegowda, H.D. Thammaiah, and A.S. Ponnanna have raised the issue both inside and outside the Assembly, according to Bangarappa. He also criticised Opposition leaders, accusing them of 'creating confusion among farmers' rather than condemning the Centre's move, and of disrupting the Monsoon Session of the Assembly instead of allowing a substantive debate on the matter.

What It Means for Malenadu Farmers

The proposed ESA classification has caused widespread concern in the Malenadu belt, a region of dense forests and smallholder agriculture, as farmers fear restrictions on land use, construction, and farming activities that typically accompany ESA designation. Bangarappa sought to reassure residents directly: 'Our government will not allow any action that affects the interests of Malenadu farmers. We stand with farmers, and their interests will be protected.'

Invoking his late father, former Karnataka Chief Minister S. Bangarappa, he said his political commitment was rooted in a legacy of standing with farmers and ordinary citizens. '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.

With the Centre yet to withdraw the draft notification, the standoff between the Karnataka government and the Union environment ministry is set to intensify in the weeks ahead.