JOIN USThe members of BJP Raitha Morcha burnt an effigy of Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, opposing the implementation of Kasturirangan report on conservation of Western Ghats, in Chikmagalur on Monday.
The protesters urged the Central government to implement recommendations of Gorakh Singh Committee report on areca growers.
The protesters who commenced their protest rally from the Old Taluk Office premises, shouted slogans against the government. They burnt an effigy of the CM at Hanumanthappa Circle. Addressing the protesters, BJP District Unit former president M S Bhojegowda demanded the Central government to implement Gorakh Singh report in order to protect the areca growers.
Areca growers are in distress following yellow leaf disease and fruit rot disease affecting the plantation. The affidavit submitted by the Attorney General to the Supreme Court stating that areca has harmful content, has virtually made areca growers life hang in balance.
Opposing the implementation of Kasturirangan report, Bhojegowda said that the report will affect the livelihood of Malnad people. As many as 31 villages in N R Pura and Koppa taluk and all the villages in Sringeri taluk will be considered as eco-sensitive zone, if the Western Ghats gets the tag of World Heritage Site. District Raitha Morcha General Secretary B G Somashekhar, State Working Committee member M R Lohith and others participated in the protest.
Resolution against report
A resolution was passed opposing the implementation of Kasturirangan report, considering it as harmful to the district, at the annual meeting of Kodagu District Timber Workers’ and Headloaders’ Union at Siddapura gram panchayat hall in Kodagu district on Monday.
Union General Secretary N D Kuttappan said that it was unfortunate that the government has proposed to implement the report.