✎ Karnataka demands Centre restrict ESA to notified forests, seeks 1-year survey and committee review of Kasturirangan Report.
Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Economy/Governance
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Council unanimously adopted a resolution on September 22, 2026, urging the Centre to restrict the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) under the Kasturirangan report to only notified forests, excluding agricultural, horticultural, and plantation lands, human settlements, and areas of public activities. The resolution sought a one-year extension for a physical survey, led by a high-power committee headed by a retired judge, to address “lacunae” in the report and correct inaccuracies, particularly those based on satellite data rather than joint ground surveys by forest and revenue departments. The state also proposed forming village-level committees to assist the survey and ensure no evictions or disruptions to livelihoods, emphasizing financial assistance for affected farmers and workers. The Centre’s seventh draft notification, covering 20,668 sq km across 1,449 villages in 10 districts, would be reduced to around 16,000 sq km under Karnataka’s demands, reflecting broader tensions between conservation imperatives and local economic interests.
This issue holds relevance for Banking, SSC, and RBI Grade B exam aspirants as it intersects with governance, environmental policy, and socio-economic challenges. For banking exams, understanding ESA-related disputes can aid in questions on rural development, agricultural finance, and government schemes for livelihood support. SSC aspirants may encounter questions on constitutional provisions, inter-state disputes, or the role of committees in policy implementation. For RBI Grade B, the focus on financial assistance for affected communities ties into monetary policy, rural credit, and inclusive growth frameworks. The resolution also highlights the importance of data accuracy and inter-departmental coordination, themes often tested in governance sections of these exams.
Source: The Hindu
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