The elected representatives and environmentalists here are divided on the implementation of the Dr. K. Kasturirangan’s report on Western Ghats.
While a few are in favour of the recommendations, many are against the panel report as they consider it to be against the interests of the farmers. This is what emerged at the end of a meeting called by the State Cabinet subcommittee here on Saturday. Higher Education Minister R.V. Desphande and Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar chaired the meeting.
H.M. Vishwanath, the former Sakleshpur MLA, said there was no need for Kasturirangan Commission as the existing forest laws were strong enough to safeguard the greenery. “The forest laws are so stringent that farmers cannot fell trees they might have nurtured for several years in their farmland. Mining has been stopped long back. Where is the need to implement new regulations in the name of Kasturirangan committee report? ” he asked.
Many of those present at the meeting seconded Mr. Vishshwanath’s point of view. H.P. Ravi Kumar of Acchanahalli in Sakleshpur taluk said, “It is because of farmers that the forests in Western Ghats have been existing for many centuries. If you want to restrict our methods of cultivation, then you better purchase our land and shift us elsewhere,” he said.
However, a few environmentalists wanted the panel’s recommendations implemented. H.A. Kishor Kumar, president of the Malenadu Janapara Horata Vedike, alleged that some vested interests were campaigning against the recommendations. Mr. Deshpande said the committee would direct the Forest Department officials to ensure that rural people got the contents of recommendations.
