# Karnataka Legislature rejects Kasturirangan Report > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-dispute-over-western-ghats-conservation-report > Updated: 2026-09-23T14:00:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 4. The Karnataka state government has expressed opposition to the Kasturirangan Committee report, which proposes designating parts of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs). Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has raised concerns that the report’s implementation could harm local livelihoods, particularly for farming communities in districts such as Chikkamagaluru, Karwar, Kodagu, and Mysuru. In Karnataka, the proposed ESA designation would cover approximately 20,668 square kilometers, potentially impacting 1,439 villages across ten districts. The report recommends restrictions on mining, quarries, sand mining, large-scale construction, hydroelectric projects, and commercial tourism. Local residents and farmers have expressed fears that these regulations could disrupt traditional agriculture, including coffee and areca nut cultivation, and lead to displacement. In a recent legislative development, the Karnataka Legislature unanimously passed a resolution seeking a review and modifications to the report, rejecting the seventh draft notification issued by the Centre. Chief Minister Shivakumar announced that the state will constitute a high-level committee led by a retired judge to conduct physical surveys. This committee, comprising officials, experts, and representatives from the farming and industrial sectors, aims to scientifically identify eco-sensitive zones, agricultural lands, and inhabited areas. The state intends to request a one-year period from the Centre to complete these surveys. Concerns regarding regional impact were highlighted by Bhatkal MLA and Deputy Speaker Mankal Vaidya, who noted that approximately 85,000 families in the Uttara Kannada district could be affected. Vaidya warned that if local interests are not protected, residents might be forced to migrate to neighboring Goa. To address these issues, the state plans to send an all-party delegation to meet with the Prime Minister. ## Claims - Karnataka will appoint senior lawyers to represent the state in the Supreme Court regarding the Kasturirangan report notification. (single source) - The state is seeking a scientific revision of the report to protect local interests. (single source) - There is cross-party unanimity in opposing the Kasturirangan report and its consequential actions. (single source) - The expert committee should include individuals with a demonstrated commitment to forest conservation. (single source) - The BJP accuses the state government of using the special Assembly session for political gain regarding drought and the Kasturirangan report. (single source) - Keonics will deliver 2,222 KEO AI computers to underserved communities and model residential schools in Karnataka. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-23: Karnataka Legislature rejects Kasturirangan Report, calls for judicial review The Karnataka Legislature has unanimously rejected the current Kasturirangan Report, calling for a judicial review and physical surveys to protect the livelihoods of thousands of families in forest areas. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-legislature-rejects-kasturirangan-report-calls-for-judicial-review ### 2026-09-21: Karnataka to challenge Kasturirangan report in Supreme Court Karnataka is appointing senior lawyers to challenge the Kasturirangan report in the Supreme Court, seeking a scientific revision to protect local livelihoods in the Western Ghats. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-leaders-debate-kasturirangan-report-impact ### 2026-09-19: Karnataka faces environmental concerns, heavy rain, and port inspections Karnataka faces diverse developments: controversy over the Kasturirangan report's Western Ghats protections, heavy rainfall alerts across several districts, and a CM visit to Mangaluru's fishing port. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-faces-environmental-concerns-heavy-rain-and-port-inspections ### 2026-09-18: Karnataka government opposes Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar reaffirmed opposition to the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats, citing livelihood risks, and announced a special Assembly session to decide the state's stance. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-government-opposes-kasturirangan-report-on-western-ghats --- Cite as: Karnataka Legislature rejects Kasturirangan Report. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-dispute-over-western-ghats-conservation-report