Karnataka Government Plans One Day Special Session Against Kasturirangan Report

The Karnataka government is preparing to take a stronger stand against the seventh draft notification linked to the Kasturirangan Report, with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announcing plans for a one day special Assembly session on the issue.

The government has already opposed the latest draft notification in the legislature. The decision to hold a separate session is expected to give lawmakers another opportunity to discuss its possible impact on people living in the Western Ghats region and adopt a formal position against the Centre’s proposal.

The Kasturirangan Report has remained a sensitive issue in Karnataka for several years. While the report focuses on protecting the ecologically important Western Ghats, state leaders and representatives from affected areas have repeatedly raised concerns about restrictions that could influence construction, infrastructure development and other local activities.

During the recent legislature session, the seventh draft notification came under strong criticism from several members. Legislators including AS Ponnanna, Thammaiah and TD Rajegowda reportedly raised concerns under Rule 69 and urged the government to clearly oppose the proposal.

Their arguments focused on the possible difficulties that could arise if the proposed measures are implemented. Representatives from the affected areas have also been seeking clarity over how restrictions could influence villages, basic infrastructure and local economic activities.

According to the government, the proposed notification could cover 33 taluks and more than a thousand villages, involving a large geographical area. The state has argued that such restrictions could create difficulties for development projects and essential infrastructure in the region.

The issue was also discussed in a meeting involving the Chief Minister, legislators and members of the Legislative Council. The state leadership maintained that Karnataka’s position should be firmly communicated to the Centre before any further action is taken.

The government has also indicated that it will explore the legal route. Officials and ministers are expected to examine the notification within the existing legal framework and submit the state’s objections during the stipulated period.

Several issues mentioned in the draft have become points of concern for the state. These include matters related to construction and infrastructure as well as activities connected with the use and transportation of natural resources.

The government has said that Karnataka had earlier expressed its opposition to the Kasturirangan recommendations at the Cabinet level as well. It now wants the Centre to take the state’s objections into consideration before moving ahead.

The special session is expected to provide a political and legislative platform for the government to place its concerns on record. A resolution opposing the seventh draft notification could also become a key part of the proceedings.

The controversy is not limited to political leaders. Residents and elected representatives from Western Ghats areas have been concerned about how environmental restrictions could affect everyday life and development. At the same time, environmental protection remains a major consideration because the Western Ghats are ecologically significant and support important forests, water sources and biodiversity.

The Karnataka government has therefore indicated that it wants to balance conservation with the development needs of people living in the region. The upcoming discussion is likely to focus on whether the proposed restrictions can be implemented without creating unnecessary difficulties for local communities.

The Centre has provided time for states and other stakeholders to submit objections to the draft notification. Karnataka is expected to use this process while continuing its political and legal efforts against the proposal.

With the government now planning a one day special session, the Kasturirangan Report is set to return to the centre of debate in Karnataka. The outcome of the proposed resolution and the state’s subsequent legal steps could determine its next course of action.