What is The Kasturirangan Report and Why Does it Matter to Kodagu?

The panel recommended declaring about 37% of the Western Ghats—roughly 56,000–60,000 sq km—as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).

The Kasturirangan Report is a set of recommendations for protecting the ecologically fragile Western Ghats while allowing sustainable development and human habitation. The High-Level Working Group headed by scientist K. Kasturirangan was constituted by the Union Environment Ministry in 2012, following opposition to the more stringent recommendations of the Gadgil Committee.

The panel recommended declaring about 37% of the Western Ghats—roughly 56,000–60,000 sq km—as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). The recommendations focus on protecting relatively natural landscapes while taking human settlements, agricultural areas and existing infrastructure into account.

What activities could be restricted under the proposal?

The proposed ESA framework seeks to prohibit or regulate environmentally damaging activities such as mining, quarrying and sand mining, while also restricting new thermal power projects and certain large-scale construction and township developments.

The intention is not to stop all development or displace residents. However, the exact impact on individual villages depends on the final boundaries and regulations adopted.

How many Kodagu villages are included in the latest draft?

The Centre issued the seventh draft notification on July 27, 2026, after six earlier drafts lapsed. The latest proposal identifies 53 villages in Kodagu for inclusion in the proposed ESA. Across Karnataka, the draft covers 20,668 sq km in 10 districts and 1,449 villages.

Why are local residents and elected representatives concerned?

The main concern is that environmental restrictions could make agricultural activities, construction of homes, roads and essential civic infrastructure more difficult. Local representatives have also raised questions about whether satellite-based mapping adequately reflects Kodagu's ground realities, including agricultural and inhabited areas.

Why do environmentalists support stronger protection?

Kodagu forms an important part of the Western Ghats and contains forests and catchment areas crucial to South India's water security. Environmentalists argue that stronger controls on quarrying, mining, large commercial projects and other environmentally disruptive activities can help protect fragile terrain and reduce ecological degradation.

What is Karnataka's current position?

Karnataka has opposed the latest draft and said it will submit objections to the Centre. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has also announced plans for a special one-day Assembly session to discuss and pass a resolution against the seventh draft notification.

The key debate is therefore not simply “development versus environment”, but how Kodagu can protect its fragile landscape without placing unreasonable restrictions on agriculture, livelihoods and essential local development.

If you appreciate our work, please consider supporting us with a donation. You may contribute via Google Pay, PhonePe or Paytm at: 9980855901

To advertise on The Kodagu Express website, kindly call us at 9108795369 or mail us at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com 

Join The Kodagu Express WhatsApp Group: CLICK HERE 

Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter)