✎ Karnataka’s rejection of Kasturirangan Report highlights tensions between conservation and development in Western Ghats.
Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Economy/Governance
The Kasturirangan Report, which advocates a balanced approach to development while protecting ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats, has faced strong opposition from Karnataka, where the State Assembly unanimously rejected its recommendations. Critics argue that the report’s reliance on 2012 satellite data is outdated and that its criteria for designating ESAs—such as classifying an entire village if 20% of its area is sensitive—could unfairly restrict farmland and human settlements. The Centre’s 2024 decision to allow ESAs to be notified state by state, combined with Karnataka’s large share of the proposed ESAs, underscores the need for the State to engage in constructive negotiations rather than outright rejection. For banking and SSC aspirants, this highlights the interplay between environmental governance, economic development, and federalism, as well as the importance of data-driven policymaking in balancing competing interests.
The broader implications of Karnataka’s stance extend to governance and economic planning, particularly for exams like RBI Grade B, where questions on sustainable development and inter-state coordination are common. The report’s emphasis on ground-truthing and stakeholder consultations reflects the practical challenges of implementing environmental policies, a theme relevant to both banking (e.g., project financing in ecologically sensitive zones) and SSC exams (e.g., governance and policy analysis). The Centre’s interim protections and the progress made by other states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu further illustrate the need for Karnataka to adopt a pragmatic approach, balancing local livelihood concerns with national conservation goals. Aspirants should note how such conflicts between state autonomy and central directives shape India’s environmental and economic landscape.
Source: The Hindu
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