80% of draft ESA in State already conserved as it comes under reserved/protected forests, says Khandre

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister B. Eshwar Khandre revealed that a staggering 80% of the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in Karnataka has already been safeguarded within existing protected forests or tiger reserves. During a debate on the Kasturirangan report, Khandre informed the Assembly that out of the total 20,668 sq. km earmarked as ESA, approximately 16,000 sq. km falls within designated protected areas.

The minister raised concerns about an additional 1,449 villages spanning across 10 districts also being included in the ESA. He urged the central government to reconsider this inclusion to prevent potential disruption to the livelihoods of 1.44 million people residing in these villages. Khandre criticized the Centre-led committee, headed by forest officer Sanjay Kumar, for failing to visit affected villages, which he believed would have ensured Karnataka received a fair hearing.

While emphasizing the importance of preserving the Western Ghats' pristine environment, Khandre stressed the need to balance conservation with the livelihoods of locals. He highlighted that several rivers originate from these Ghats, underlining their significance for the region's survival. Congress member A.S. Ponnanna expressed worry over the draft notification's categorization of 46.5% of the Western Ghats as ESA, deeming the decision-making process as lacking consultation with the local populace or field visits.

Khandre's remarks underscore the critical need to strike a balance between environmental protection and the socio-economic well-being of affected communities in the region.