Karnataka Faces Pressure to Rethink Stand on Western Ghats Report

Karnataka must reconsider its total rejection of the Kasturirangan Report on ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats, as neighbouring states move towards agreements with the Centre. The Karnataka Assembly previously rejected the report due to worries over 2012 satellite data accuracy and a rule placing an entire revenue village under the sensitive area if 20 percent of it is sensitive, which could pull in farmland and homes. Opposition in the state grew after the Centre asked states in 2013 and 2014 to check the data on the ground. Mining interests and others facing curbs allegedly stirred up fears of displacement among workers and farmers, leading the state to push back against the framework. While the state assembly suggested making an alternative map, the government now faces growing pressure from other states. By mid-2026, Gujarat neared a deal with the Centre, Tamil Nadu had no major disagreements, Kerala sought to reduce its area from 9,993 to 8,805 square kilometres, and Maharashtra and Goa wanted specific villages left out. The Centre decided in 2024 to let states notify sensitive areas one by one, adding pressure on Karnataka to either accept the process or present a well-planned alternative for its large share of the region.