Gadgil report on Western Ghats dropped

Union Minister for Environment and Forests M Veerappa Moily said on Wednesday that the Centre had dropped the Madhav Gadgil Report on protection of the Western Ghats and other forest areas.

The government would instead consider the recommendations made in the Kasturirangan report.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the two-day international seminar on ‘Sandalwood: Current Trends and Future Prospects,’ Moily said the decision need not be construed as a political move ahead of the parliamentary elections. He was quick to add that all the recommendations made in Kasturirangan Report would not be implemented.

“The recommendations, which the government considers apt, will be acted upon. However, it will be ensured that forests, particularly the Ghats, are protected,” he said, adding that the chief ministers of all the six states will be consulted before implementing the report.The minister said the Union government will not allow mining, quarrying or change in land use in any forest areas, unlike such a move being considered by the Congress government in the State. He said the matters related to mining were pending before the Supreme Court and no decision would be taken until the court pronounced its verdict.