The CPI (ML) members have condemned the Central government’s decision to accept K Kasturi Rangan committee recommendations for protection of the Western Ghats instead of the suggestions made by Madhav Gadgil.
The protesters took out a procession from old taluk office which passed through main roads before culminating at the DC’s office. They shouted slogans ‘implement Gadgil report and save Western Ghats,’ ‘check looting of forest,’ and ‘chase away MNCs.’
A petition was submitted to DC B S Shekarappa on the occasion.
The Kasturi Rangan report was flayed alleging it diluted Madhav Gadgil’s report and will not serve the purpose of protecting the Western Ghats. The CPI (ML) is opposed to the report. Kasturi Rangan report said that 60,000 square km of Western Ghats is sensitive area in Karnataka while Gadgil’s report said it was 1.60 lakh square kilometre.
The protesters said “Gadgil in his report had said quarry, real estate and corporate mafia has been looting Western Ghats. As a result, about 85 rivers will go dry. Kasturi Rangan has not made any reference to it. Kasturi Rangan’s report will help the capitalists. Hence the government should reject it.”
Gadgil had prepared 510 page report after collecting opinions from the public, and holding public grievances meetings,” they said.
Published 23 October 2013, 17:18 IST