'Environmentalists trying to extend Ecologically Sensitive Zone'

Under the pretext of environment conservation, some environmental organisations have been trying to extend the ecologically sensitive zone to Kodagu, alleged office-bearers of Save Kodagu Forum.

Addressing reporters here on Wednesday, forum member Madhu Bopanna said that some environmentalists are disturbing the peace of people of Kodagu. If the sensitive zone is not earmarked, the environmentalists will not get income. Therefore, they are urging the Central government to implement the Kasturirangan report. Expecting benefits, some politicians and advocates have been supporting the self-declared environmentalists, he said.

However, political leaders have been silent on the Kasturirangan report implementation as elections are around the corner. The elected representatives should respond to peoples' problems and confirm their stand on the issue, he said.

Bopanna accused environmentalists of spreading rumours on Mysuru-Talassery railway line. The stand of environmentalists on the project does not represent the people's opinion.

Forum office-bearers Biddatanda T Dinesh, Jinnu Nanaiah and Uday Shankar were present.