Karnataka legislature special session to discuss drought, Kasturirangan report

Bengaluru, Sep 20 (PTI) A three-day special session of the Karnataka legislature will begin from September 21 to discuss the drought situation in the state and the Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats ecologically sensitive areas.

A consensus may largely emerge between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP and JD(S) regarding opposing the Kasturirangan report, except for some blame regarding the Centre issuing a draft notification.

Regarding the drought issue, however, a heated exchange can be expected between the ruling and opposition benches, as the BJP and JD(S) have accused the government of failing to manage the situation and provide proper relief to affected farmers, such as announcing measures like loan waivers. The Congress on its part has alleged lack of support from the Centre.

The special session has been called as the legislature could not discuss the drought situation and the state's response to the Centre's draft notification on the Western Ghats ecologically sensitive area during last month's monsoon session. The session was disrupted and curtailed amid the opposition's protest demanding B Nagendra's resignation as minister.

The seventh draft declaring large swathes in the Western Ghats as an eco-sensitive area, based on the Kasturirangan report, was issued by the Union government on July 27, 2026, allowing 60 days to file objections.

The state has repeatedly rejected the Centre's draft notifications. The seventh draft notification proposes to declare 56,000 sq km of area across six states as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA).

In Karnataka, 20,668 sq km of area, covering 33 taluks and 1,449 villages across 10 districts (Belagavi, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Udupi), falls under the ESA scope. This will adversely affect farmers' livelihoods and future development.

The session is also important as many parts of the state are reeling under drought. So far, 124 taluks in Karnataka have been declared drought-hit and assessment is continuing in other areas.

Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, speaking to reporters in Sakleshpura on Sunday, said the government has convened a special session of the legislature to discuss issues concerning the people, including the Kasturirangan report.

Members of both Houses will be given an opportunity to express their views on the matter, he said.

Pointing out that discussions had already been held with MLAs and people's representatives from several districts, the CM said public opinion had been gathered in Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and Shivamogga districts.

The government would consider the problems faced by residents of the affected areas while making its decision, he added.

Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said that along with the Kasturirangan report, the losses caused by drought, assistance to farmers and the relief sought from the Union government will be discussed during the session, while the views of the opposition will also be taken into consideration.

Discussions will also be held on seeking drought relief and a waiver of farmers' loans from the Centre. The state government intends to take the opposition into confidence and present Karnataka's demands before the Union government, he said.

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, however, alleged that the Congress government is merely spending time on announcements. He demanded that the government show its commitment in action even before the special session scheduled to begin on September 21.

"Months have passed since the drought began. Farmers are in distress due to crop loss. We have demanded compensation of Rs 50,000 per acre. For constituencies facing drinking water problems, we have insisted that Rs 10 crore each be released and that necessary works, including emergency borewells, be taken up. But the government has so far not taken adequate relief measures," he alleged.

Referring to the state government's decision to convene a special session, he said: "Discussion is welcome. But even before the discussion, people and farmers must have the confidence that the government has money and that it is working. At the very least, release Rs 10 crore each for drinking water."

He also demanded a white paper on drought relief.

Asserting that the BJP would clearly present its stand on the Kasturirangan report in the special session, the LoP said, the lives of local people and the environment must both be viewed in balance.

Recalling the history behind the Kasturirangan report, he said: "During the UPA government, after the Gadgil report on the Western Ghats, a high-level working group headed by Kasturirangan was formed. The Kasturirangan committee submitted its report in 2013. Therefore, the Congress, before levelling allegations against the BJP on this issue, must first explain its own past stand and decisions to the people."