Karnataka govt. to call special legislature session on Kasturirangan report

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced a special legislature session to address concerns over the Kasturirangan report. The report, notified by the Centre, has shocked the state government, which previously rejected it in September 2024. According to Shivakumar, the draft notification imposes tough conditions on various sectors, including infrastructure, mining, power, construction, tourism, and road development.

Livelihoods and farming will be affected in 1,449 villages, 33 taluks, and 10 districts, covering 20,668 square kilometers. Legal experts are being consulted, and the state government is seeking technical advice. A delegation will be sent to the Centre to seek financial assistance following the declaration of drought by the Revenue Department.

Shivakumar also announced plans to hold elections in several local bodies before the year-end and to initiate a Bharat Jodo Sangha membership drive.