Vijayendra presses Karnataka government for Kasturirangan report solution

Addressing a special session of the Karnataka Assembly, Vijayendra argued that relying on outdated satellite data to define ecologically sensitive areas is fundamentally flawed. He called for a ground-level verification of land use, specifically distinguishing between plantations, agricultural plots, and actual forest cover for all 1,476 affected villages. He insisted that accurate, survey-number-level maps be published in Kannada to ensure transparency and local participation.

To manage the legal complexities, Vijayendra urged the government to seek a one-year extension from the National Green Tribunal, noting that the current October 25 deadline is insufficient for a comprehensive assessment. He proposed that the Revenue and Forest Departments collaborate with local Gram Panchayats to document inhabitant concerns through special Gram Sabhas. Beyond mapping, he demanded the resolution of pending Bagair Hukum applications and the creation of a task force to mediate boundary disputes between forest and revenue lands.

Vijayendra also criticized the ongoing friction between forest officials and rural residents, citing reports of harassment over basic needs like firewood collection. He pressed the administration to move beyond political posturing, warning that using the issue for padayatras and partisan rhetoric fails to offer the permanent, practical solutions required by those living on the edge of the protected zones.