Former Minister Kimmane Rathnakar has announced a major protest march in Tirthahalli on September 7 to oppose the ESA notification based on the Kasturirangan Committee report. He emphasized that wildlife conservation should not come at the expense of human livelihoods.

  • Former Minister Kimmane Rathnakar will lead a protest march in Tirthahalli on September 7.
  • The protest targets the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification based on the Kasturirangan report.
  • The march will commence from Binkla village at 9:00 AM.
  • Rathnakar criticized the central government and refused to march alongside BJP leaders.

In a significant move against the environmental regulations in the Western Ghats, former Minister and Congress leader Kimmane Rathnakar has announced a large-scale protest march in the Tirthahalli taluk. Scheduled for September 7, the march aims to demand the immediate withdrawal of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification, which is based on the controversial Kasturirangan Committee report.

Addressing the media in Shivamogga, Rathnakar detailed that the padayatra (foot march) will begin at 9:00 AM from Binkla village. This specific village was chosen due to its inclusion in the list of areas affected by the current notification. The inauguration will be led by District Congress Committee President Prasanna Kumar and Ramesh Hegde. High-profile leaders, including School Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa and former Minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, are expected to participate in the stage programs in Tirthahalli.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the implementation of the ESA notification has become a flashpoint in Karnataka politics. The conflict pits environmental preservation against the socio-economic realities of the Malnad region, where local populations fear that strict ecological mandates will strip them of their rights to land, housing, and agriculture.

A notable aspect of Rathnakar's announcement is his refusal to join hands with BJP leaders in these protests. While other organizations like the Western Ghats Raita Sahakari Vedike have seen cross-party participation, Rathnakar maintained a strict political stance. He argued that since the notification is a central government initiative, the protest must also target the BJP-led administration at the Centre.

"I am in favor of conserving the Western Ghats and the wildlife, but not at the cost of human lives." - Kimmane Rathnakar

The core of the grievance lies in the perceived imbalance between human needs and ecological protection. Rathnakar highlighted the demographic shift in India, noting that the population has swelled from 20 crore to 140 crore over the last century. He argued that imposing restrictions on the Malnad region ignores the fundamental human requirement for land to build dwellings and cultivate crops, especially for those who have lived in forest areas for generations.

Did You Know?: The Western Ghats are one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity, home to thousands of endemic species.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary reason for the protest march?
The march is organized to protest the ESA notification and the recommendations of the Kasturirangan Committee regarding the Western Ghats.

2. Where will the protest march take place?
The march will start from Binkla village and proceed to Tirthahalli in the Shivamogga district.