By P.T. Bopanna
In spite of Kodagu (Coorg) facing the threat of landslides anytime in the monsoon, the Congress government headed by chief minister Siddaramaiah in Karnataka, seems to have yielded to the Kerala timber lobby in its response to the Kasturirangan report on safeguarding the Western Ghats.
A Cabinet sub-committee which has members, including minister K.J.George, met on Wednesday and decided to seek reduction of 4,036 square kilometres in the eco sensitive area (ESA) proposed in the Union environment ministry’s draft notification.
It may be recalled that Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna had attended a meeting last August where the defeated BJP MLAs K.G.Bopaiah and Appachu Ranjan were also present to chalk out a plan to oppose Kasturirangan report. Even Congress Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda was also present at the meeting.
Generations to come will remember Ponnanna if he takes the lead in implementing the Kasturirangan report. Going by his track record, he is unlikely to seek the full implementation of the report.
Kodagu could have been saved from destruction if the Gadgil committee report on Western Ghats was implemented. Kasturirangan report is a watered down version. Kerala timber lobby wants a free run and our politicians are dancing to their tune.
Karnataka politicians do not seem to have learnt any lesson after the Wayanad tragedy. Kodagu borders Wayanad and there have been reports that Kodagu was susceptible to landslides, similar to Wayanad.
It is believed that a minister in the Siddaramaiah Cabinet is close to the Kerala timber lobby and he has been all along protecting their interests.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who had recently visited Kodagu following the flood havoc, had stated that the government would reconsider the Kasturiranan report which he had rejected in the past.
Union environment ministry’s draft notification had proposed 20668 sq km as ESA. States have time till September end to submit their replies.
In the sixth draft notification issued on July 31, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) had proposed 56,825.7 sq km area in six states as ESA based on the suggestions of a high-level working group. With 20,668 sq km (36.37 per cent), Karnataka has the highest area under ESA compared to other states.
Karnataka forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre has said the discussion and recommendations made during the cabinet sub-committee meeting will be placed before the cabinet for a final decision which will be conveyed to the Union government.
If the government finally demands for reduction of area under ESA, I will approach the Raj Bhavan and persuade the Governor to take appropriate action. In the past, I have been successful in persuading the Governors to safeguard the interests of Kodagu.
