Madikeri: MP Yaduveer Wadiyar Thursday suggested that the Karnataka govt gather feedback from villagers on the draft notification of the eco-sensitive areas (ESA) of the Western Ghats.Speaking at a consultative meeting in Madikeri with farmers, coffee growers and political leaders, he urged stakeholders to adopt a Keralam-style scientific approach by segregating land into cultural and natural landscapes rather than dismissing the report entirely.“In Keralam, a survey has been conducted with the cooperation of Biodiversity Board and the scope of the sensitive ecological area has been reduced. Similarly, a scientific survey should be conducted in Karnataka to determine the scope. People’s livelihoods should not be affected in the name of environmental conservation,” he opined.Somwarpet Raita Horata Samithi president Suresh Chakravathy strongly opposed the report, warning it threatens farmers’ livelihoods. He announced a planned protest on Sept 11 against the report and the draft notification on C and D lands.Coorg Planters’ Association (CPA) president Nanda Beliappa submitted a memorandum advocating methodical, state-specific demarcation using physical verification. The CPA urged authorities to constrain the ESA strictly within marked forest boundaries.Karnataka Growers’ Federation representative Vishwanath KK supported a Keralam-style approach. JD(S) representative Vishwa CC also backed scientific implementation modelled on Keralam.Former MLA KG Bopaiah noted that National Green Tribunal petitions mean the report cannot be completely ignored, reinforcing the need for scientific adjustments.Former MLA MP Appachchu Ranjan said, “In the past, an agitation was launched in Kodagu. We had protested against the Kasturirangan report even when the BJP govt was in the state. Rejecting the report every time will not solve the problem. A logical end should be devised so that such a notification is not issued again.”MLC MP Suja Kushalappa said the people’s representatives of the ruling party should have come to the meeting.
