Farmers in Hosanagara are set to march against the Union government's proposal to declare 20,668 sq. km of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). The protest highlights a lack of local consultation.
- Farmers in Hosanagara will hold a 'padayatra' against the ESA draft notification.
- The primary grievance is the lack of consultation with Gram Panchayats and local residents.
- Protesters are demanding the 'Kerala Model' to exclude agricultural and residential lands from the ESA.
The agricultural heartland of Hosanagara taluk is bracing for significant unrest. Under the banner of the Western Ghats Raitha Sahakara Vedike, farmers are organizing a massive protest march to oppose the Union government's draft notification. The proposal aims to designate 20,668 sq. km of the Western Ghats in Karnataka as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
R.M. Manjunath Gowda, President of the Shivamogga District Co-operative Central Bank, announced during a press conference that the march will proceed from the Siddi Vinayaka Temple in Karagadi to Hosanagara. The movement is driven by the fear that the notification, which covers 125 villages, will indiscriminately include human habitations, villages, and vital agricultural and horticultural lands.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this conflict represents a classic struggle between top-down environmental conservation policies and the socio-economic survival of indigenous communities. The lack of local engagement in the decision-making process threatens to alienate the very people who act as the primary stewards of the forest ecosystem.
Environmental policy without grassroots consultation often leads to social friction and ineffective conservation outcomes.
A major point of contention is the methodology used by the expert committee led by Dr. K. Kasturirangan. Mr. Gowda pointed out that the entire survey was conducted using satellite and remote-sensing imagery, without any physical ground verification or discussions with the local Gram Panchayats. This has led to claims that the notification fails to reflect the actual landscape on the ground.
The Demand for the 'Kerala Model'
To resolve the impasse, the protesters are advocating for a solution modeled after the approach taken by the neighboring state of Kerala. Under this model, a physical survey is conducted to delineate village boundaries, ensuring that human settlements, homesteads, and agricultural lands are explicitly excluded from the ESA designation.
| Feature | Current ESA Draft | Proposed Kerala Model |
|---|---|---|
| Survey Method | Satellite & Remote Sensing | Physical Ground Survey |
| Land Inclusion | Includes Habitations & Farms | Excludes Habitations & Farms |
| Community Input | Minimal/None | High/Mandatory |
The political dimension is also evolving, with Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar pledging support to the people. The Chief Minister has indicated his intention to convene a special legislative session to address the concerns of the Malnad region, providing a glimmer of hope for the protesting farmers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main reason for the protest in Hosanagara?
Farmers are protesting because the ESA draft notification includes their agricultural lands and residential areas under strict ecological regulations without their consent.
2. What is the 'Kerala Model' mentioned by the farmers?
It is a method of land survey that separates human habitations and farms from ecologically sensitive zones to protect livelihoods while preserving nature.
