Government of Karnataka Disapproves of the Kasturirangan Committee Report

The Kasturirangan committee report, which was prepared to save significant ecological areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats, has been rejected by the Karnataka government. The administration chose not to execute the report's recommendations during a Cabinet meeting, despite prior signals that they would be revisited.

Balancing act of the Kasturirangan Committee Report

• National Wildlife Action Plan in Western Ghats The Kasturirangan Committee (2012) which sought to Develop the saidNational Wildlife action plan for protected areas and wildlife corridors management;
• The report highlighted the importance of community led initiatives in environmental management, and a trade-off between development and conservation.
• The report triggered discussions on land use in the country, and not surprisingly environmental management within doable limits especially as an agenda for a sustainable wildlife & ecosystem operation.
• Political opposition from state and local representatives in Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi parts who were worried that the report would impact their employments/the lives of general society.
• The Karnataka Cabinet and a subsequent Ministry in the State, had also refuted the report suggesting its unhappiness at implementing environmental suggestions.
• The refusal also raises concerns about forthcoming preservation in the Western Ghats and how it will deal with future issues of maintaining ecological balance while considering local needs.