Karnataka to Convene Special Legislature Session to Oppose Kasturirangan Report

Bengaluru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Wednesday that Karnataka will convene a special session of the State Legislature to discuss the consequences of implementing the Kasturirangan report and pass a resolution opposing it.

Addressing presspersons in Bengaluru, Mr. Shivakumar expressed strong objection to the Central government's recent move to notify the draft. He stated that the State government was shocked by the draft notification and would formally register its opposition by passing a legislative resolution to be sent to the Centre.

Highlighting the background of the issue, Mr. Shivakumar referred to a previous Cabinet decision taken in September 2024 under the Siddaramaiah-led government, during which the report had been formally rejected. He stated that the Centre had failed to consider the State's earlier stand and instead moved forward unilaterally with the draft notification.

According to figures shared by the Chief Minister, the implementation of the Kasturirangan report would severely impact livelihoods and agricultural activities across Karnataka. The draft notification covers an area spanning 20,668 square kilometres, encompassing 1,449 villages across 33 taluks in 10 districts of the State.

Mr. Shivakumar detailed the restrictive measures outlined in the draft notification, pointing out that it imposes tough conditions on basic developmental works and several critical sectors. These include restrictions on infrastructure projects, mining, power generation, construction activities, tourism initiatives, and road development across the notified regions.

The Chief Minister affirmed that the Karnataka government is prepared to take all necessary measures to protect the interests and welfare of the affected population. He noted that the administration is actively consulting legal experts and seeking technical advice to examine the implications and formulate its official response.

Mr. Shivakumar also alleged an imbalance in how rules are being applied, stating that there is one rule for Karnataka and another for other States regarding the environmental regulations.