BJP seeks Keralam-model survey on Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats - The HinduUpdated - September 21, 2026 08:33 pm IST - BENGALURUR. Ashok | Photo Credit: File PhotoThe Opposition BJP members in the Assembly on Monday urged the Karnataka government to undertake a physical survey, on the lines of Keralam, to ascertain ground realities before taking a final stand on the implementation of the Kasturirangan Committee report on the Western Ghats.Participating in the debate in the Legislative Assembly on the report’s implications for the livelihoods of people in the region, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok suggested that the government constitute a panel of lawyers specialising in environment and forest matters to present Karnataka’s case before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court.Will join delegationMr. Ashok said the BJP was ready to join a delegation led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to meet the Union government and press for measures to protect the interests of farmers and residents of the Western Ghats.The Kasturirangan Committee recommended declaring about 37% of the Western Ghats — nearly 60,000 sq. km across six States — as an Ecologically Sensitive Area. Karnataka has opposed the implementation of its recommendations, citing concerns over their possible impact on farmers and residents.Mr. Ashok said the government should focus on balancing environmental protection with the livelihoods of people and refrain from “politicising” the issue. He pointed out that the Western Ghats are home to millions of people and have a rich diversity of flora and fauna.Referring to the history of the issue, he said the UPA government had constituted the Madhav Gadgil Committee to examine the ecological concerns of the Western Ghats. Following protests against its recommendations, the Kasturirangan Committee was constituted to suggest a way forward. While the Gadgil Committee report was submitted in August 2011, the Kasturirangan report was submitted in April 2013.Legal measuresMr. Ashok said the Centre’s latest draft notification followed proceedings before the NGT and that the issue should therefore be addressed through legal and administrative measures rather than political confrontation.He also referred to the Goa Foundation’s legal efforts seeking the implementation of the recommendations and said the Centre had issued successive draft notifications on the issue. The Centre has now constituted another committee headed by Sanjay Kumar, whose term extends until 2027, he said.BJP member B.Y. Vijayendra also suggested that the Karnataka government immediately form committees on the lines of Keralam to conduct physical verification of all 1,476 villages that would be affected. He urged the government to hold special meetings in each affected village panchayat.He also suggested that a task force be formed to look into the dispute between the Revenue and Forest departments over ownership of land.Middle pathIn the Legislative Council, BJP member C.T. Ravi urged the State government to take a middle path instead of outright rejecting the report.“There is a lot of confusion about the recommendation. The government needs to clarify and make its stand known. What will it do if the Supreme Court intervenes if the report is outrightly rejected?” he asked. He asked if farmers would be compensated if they shift to organic farming.Seeking a green package from the government, he also said that a 2013 GIS map cannot be used to implement the report now. The government should also open a Western Ghats grievance cell to address issues.Published - September 21, 2026 08:32 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }