Karnataka CM to seek public feedback on Kasturirangan report in three districts

The Chief Minister of Karnataka will embark on a public consultation drive across three districts in the Western Ghats region to assess community sentiment on the Kasturirangan report, officials said. The meetings scheduled in Udupi, Shivamogga, and Chikkamagaluru represent an effort to directly engage with citizens whose interests may be affected by potential policy decisions stemming from the report.

The Kasturirangan report, which examines ecological and developmental issues in the Western Ghats, has generated considerable debate among stakeholders including farmers, business groups, and environmental advocates in the region. By holding open forums, the state government intends to create a platform for residents to articulate their concerns and suggestions.

The public meetings are part of a broader consultative process before the state government determines its position on implementing any recommendations from the report. Officials indicated that feedback gathered during these sessions will inform subsequent administrative decisions and policy formulation.

The timing of these consultations underscores the government's commitment to inclusive decision-making on issues that directly impact communities in the Western Ghats, a region of significant ecological and economic importance to Karnataka.