✎ Kasturirangan report's ESZ classification threatens Karnataka's Western Ghats livelihoods, sparking protests and demands for policy revision.
Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Economy/Governance
The Kasturirangan Committee report, which proposes declaring 20,668 sq. km of Karnataka’s Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive, has sparked concerns over livelihood threats, with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stating that its implementation could disrupt the lives of people in 10 districts. The report, covering 1,449 villages, has drawn opposition from farmers and residents who argue that agricultural lands are being unfairly included under the proposed boundaries, leading to widespread anxiety. The Karnataka government has sought to address these concerns by consulting locals in regions like Karkala, Tirthahalli, and Sakleshpur, where farmers have demanded the rejection of the report and the adoption of the Kerala model for ecologically sensitive zones. The Centre has set a September 27 deadline for Karnataka to convey its decision on the report, prompting the state to build consensus against it while reaffirming its commitment to protecting both the Western Ghats and local livelihoods.
For aspirants preparing for Banking, SSC, and RBI Grade B exams, this issue highlights the intersection of environmental governance and economic policies, a recurring theme in such examinations. The debate over the Kasturirangan report underscores the challenges of balancing ecological conservation with livelihood security, a topic often tested in general awareness and essay sections. Additionally, the political and administrative responses to such reports reflect the role of state governments in policy implementation, which is relevant for understanding federalism and intergovernmental relations—key areas in governance studies for competitive exams. The demand for special status under Article 371 further ties into constitutional provisions, making it a pertinent case study for aspirants focusing on polity and governance.
Source: The Hindu
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