Decision on Kasturirangan report after considering people’s views, discussion in legislature: CM Shivakumar

ByTech Word News

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. File. | Photo credit: PTI

Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the state government would take a stand on the draft notification proposing to declare areas across the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) only after taking into account people’s views and discussing the issue in a special session of the legislature.

Speaking to reporters at Sakaleshpur in Hassan district on Sunday (September 20, 2026), Mr. Shivakumar said the Center had issued a draft notification and given time till September 27 to file objections. “Therefore, we have called a special meeting for tomorrow. Before that, we are gathering people’s views on the issue. To listen to those living on the fringes of the forests, I have visited other places in the Malnad region,” he said.

He said the Siddaramaiah government had also rejected the draft notification in the past but the Center had issued it again. “We will make further decisions based on the views of the public and elected representatives,” he said.

During the special session, lawmakers would be given time to discuss issues related to farmers. There will be no question hour or reminders. Those participating in the debate will discuss the merits and demerits of the K. Kasturirangan report, he said.

Responding to a question regarding the elephant menace in Sakaleshpur, Mr. Shivakumar said that legislators representing the area could discuss the issue during a special session. According to him, the government will take the necessary decisions to solve the problems of the people.

Responding to a question on former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy’s remark comparing the current government to a talk tour, he said he would take the opposition parties’ comments sportingly. “What is wrong with that statement? Let them speak. Criticism is quite common in politics. If there are any suggestions, we will accept them as well,” he said.

Published – 20 Sep 2026 17:12 IST