Shivamogga: BJP MP BY Raghavendra on Wednesday urged the Karnataka govt to seek additional time from the Centre to conduct a comprehensive physical survey of the Malnad region before implementing the Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats.Stressing the need to protect farmers and locals, Raghavendra said ground-level verification of survey numbers, land use, crop patterns, and forest-revenue land boundaries was essential, instead of relying solely on satellite imagery. Citing Kerala’s model of conducting extensive field surveys, he called for a similar exercise in Karnataka to clearly distinguish natural landscapes from cultural and inhabited areas.Speaking to reporters, he noted that the report was currently in its seventh draft stage and reiterated the BJP’s stand that inhabited areas and families displaced by the Sharavathi project should not be adversely affected or face further displacement. He urged the state govt to convey its position to the Centre and seek an extension before the Sept 25 deadline.Meanwhile, chief minister DK Shivakumar is scheduled to visit Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts on Sept 19 amid growing concerns over the report’s implementation.Shivamogga district minister Madhu Bangarappa said the Congress-led state govt would firmly stand by local communities and would not allow measures that harm farmers’ interests. He said Malnad farmers had historically protected forests while cultivating key crops, and that any restrictions threatening livelihoods, agriculture or local development would not be accepted.In Kodagu, retired colonel Cheppudira P Muthanna, founder-secretary of Environment and Health Organisation, warned landowners against falling prey to brokers allegedly using the proposed Kasturirangan report to induce distress sales. Muthanna said the report had identified 53 villages in Kodagu district as falling within an eco-sensitive area. He alleged that brokers were visiting these villages and misleading residents by claiming the areas would be merged with forest zones, urging them to sell their land before restrictions came into force.Night-landing facility at Shivamogga Airport BY Raghavendra said preparations for night-landing capabilities at Shivamogga Airport are under way, with physical inspections completed and antenna and tower installations in progress. He said efforts are on to initiate SpiceJet flight operations starting Oct 25.
