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K’taka to propose 16,114sqkm area as ESA along W Ghats
K’taka to propose 16,114sqkm area as ESA along W Ghats
最后更新时间: 2024-09-19 18:48:41
Bengaluru: Racing against the deadline to decide on the extent of Eco Sensitive Area (ESA) along the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats , the Karnataka govt on Thursday resolved to ‘reject' the Kasturirangan report that forms the basis of an draft notification issued on the issue by the Centre on Aug 2. Instead, the govt has proposed to declare 16,114 sqkm of area as ESA, substituting the Centre's proposal of 20,668 sqkm as recommended by the Kasturirangan report. Besides, Karnataka also decided to seek a one-time package from the Centre for farmers of the region in the event of the state's new proposal being accepted. Holding a consultative meeting with the elected representatives from 11 districts lying in Western Ghats in Bengaluru, forest, environment and ecology minister Eshwar Khandre told the media that almost all representatives (MLAs) from the region have agreed that the state can agree to the recommendations of the Kasturirangan report provided it is applicable only to the 16,114 sqkm. The proposed area has already been notified as an Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserve forest areas. TOI had reported in these columns on Aug 28 about the govt's decision to reduce 4,036 sqkm from what had been already notified by the MoEF&CC in its draft notification. The Centre has set a Sept 26 deadline for the Western Ghats states, including Karnataka to respond suitably or file objections. The MoEF&CC was keen to notify the ESA along the Ghats following the Supreme Court's direction and in the backdrop of increasing incidents of landslides in the region. "The MLAs collectively argued that if the ESA is increased above the 16,114 sqkm, it will affect the livelihood of the people, especially on the periphery of the forests. Hence, they all demanded to reduce the buffer zone and bring it to zero. If the Centre agrees to notify only the 16,114 sqkm limit, it will ensure zero buffer and will be a win-win situation for both the people and conservation. This will be discussed with the CM before communicating to the Centre," Khandre said. The minister said if the Centre declares a 16,114 sqkm area as ESA, it will affect lakhs of people inhabiting 1,576 villages along Western Ghats. "As the livelihood of a large agrarian population will be affected, the MLAs demanded that the state must appeal to the Centre to announce a one-time package. Some of the MLAs reportedly presented that the 20,668 sqkm of ESA recommended by the Kasturirangan report may increase even more if the state conducts a physical survey of the notified area," he said. BOX FOREST OF CONCERN Area of Western Ghats: 1,64,280 sqkm (Six states) Western Ghats in K'taka: 44,448 sqkm (11 districts) Importance: Watershed of peninsular India affecting the rainfall pattern Biodiversity hotspot with endemic, endangered flora, and fauna Carbon capture: Capture about 4 million tonnes of carbon annually Committees: Prof Madhav Gadgil committee (2011): 1,29,000 sqkm ESA; Kasturirangan committee (2013): 59,940 sqkm ESA