Siddapura: The Kasturirangan report regarding the Western Ghats has sparked a fervent discussion across the 12 districts of Karnataka and six states within the Western Ghats range. Joining the discourse in Karnataka is the picturesque Kodagu District, celebrated for its lush greenery, vibrant tribal heritage, and unique aspects of tribal life.
In Siddapura, the Kodagu District of Karnataka, the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha organised a significant gathering that brought together tribal farmers, village residents, and activists. Their focus: safeguarding tribal culture and sustainable farming. This assembly convened on Friday, drawing together environmentalists, agricultural leaders, intellectuals, and influencers who expressed resounding disapproval of the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats. They jointly called upon both state and central governments to reconsider the decision to implement the Kasturirangan report.
In a compelling keynote address, renowned environmentalist and advocate for the people, Dr. Kalkuli Vittal Hegde, remarked, “Two conflicting reports stand out—firstly, the Madhav Gadgil Report, which aligns more closely with the authentic perspective, and secondly, the Kasturirangan Report, which has turned into an adversary for the tribal communities residing within national parks and Western Ghats habitats. What remains in dispute and contrary to the essence of life within the Western Ghats is the prescribed usage of water resources and the cultivation of crops by marginalised tribal farmers.”
Dr. Hegde questioned the feasibility of sustaining tribal farmers by cultivating a variety of crops in line with the Western Ghats’ biodiversity, especially when these crops do not yield sufficient returns for their labour. Similar debates are unfolding in districts such as Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, and Shivamogga in Karnataka. The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, alongside other organisations devoted to the well-being and protection of tribal farmers and forest dwellers, has actively engaged in these discussions.
Notably, Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre recently made an announcement indicating the state Government’s consideration of the contentious Kasturirangan Report. However, he later revised his stance after receiving counsel from farmer leaders and environmentalists, acknowledging the implications for the lives of forest dwellers. Khandre now declares that the government will not proceed with the implementation of the Kasturirangan Report.
Whole world today is responsible for natural calamities today.NGO or nature protecters , forest authority fools nation and world by unmainting reserve forest with well boudries, sufficient food producing natural trees ,water etc.reserve forest is like dry land TDY.all most expensive trees are lost.no permanent water stores. Spends money for maintenance but no results.ngo only tries objecting developments and prove themselves nature lovers.
Purely nature is loved and protected by farmers and tribels in border of western ghats.. farmers hv increased greens in nature by cultivating plantation in dry lands and plantation in other lands retaining good trees along agri plants for shades..with water storings .wet lands are cultivated to maintain water levels in that areas.todays farmers are living wet land farming since wild animals entry and distroys crops.wild animals largely enters private lands bcoz good trees and water available in private lands ..which not available in reserve forests.animals hv become habitual staying and roming in private lands.elephants and tigers count has been immensely increased..sd be saintificaly decreased.
Today by implication of above such conditions are uter failure these educateds implemented vacating tribes from forest borders instead of keeping them to protect forest by giving employment and good benifits as free to thair society in saintific manners.bocz they are vecated TDY human animals conflicts increased gradually.goverments are spending crores on animals damage TDY.
Whole world is responsible for natural changes ..bcoz the natural source invested to develop cities and roads.. temperature variations are done by developing countries not by poor farmers residing in borders of western ghats.
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