Karnataka CM pledges public consultation before Kasturirangan report decision

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday assured stakeholders that any decision regarding the Kasturirangan report would be taken after exhaustive public consultation and debates in the legislature. The assurance comes amid ongoing concerns about the report's recommendations and their potential impact on the state's Western Ghats region.

Shivakumar indicated that the state government would not rush into accepting the Centre's position on the contentious matter. He pointed out that the previous Siddaramaiah administration had already rejected a draft notification based on the Kasturirangan Committee's recommendations, underscoring the state's reservations about certain proposals.

The Chief Minister's statement reflects the political sensitivity surrounding the issue in Karnataka, where environmental conservation efforts intersect with concerns about livelihood and development. The Kasturirangan Committee, tasked with reassessing the ecological sensitivity of the Western Ghats, had submitted its report with recommendations that have remained subject to considerable debate among environmentalists, administrators, and local communities.

Shivakumar's commitment to legislative consultation suggests the government intends to present the matter before the state assembly for discussion before taking a formal stance. This approach aims to build consensus and ensure that any decision has broader political and public backing, particularly given the Centre's apparent inclination to move forward with implementation despite the state's earlier objections.