MP Raghavendra Demands Physical Survey of ESA, Cites Kerala Model

Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra has urged the Karnataka government to undertake a physical survey of the land covered under the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification and reduce its extent. Welcoming Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s decision to convene a special session of the State Legislature to discuss the issue, Mr. Raghavendra said the government should carefully examine the actual ground situation before finalising the notified area. He argued that the ESA boundaries should accurately reflect ecologically sensitive land and should not unnecessarily include additional areas.

Addressing a press conference in Shivamogga, Mr. Raghavendra made it clear that the government should not bring additional land under the ESA beyond forest areas that have already been notified. He said that, except for the existing notified forest area, not even a foot of additional land should be included in the ecologically sensitive zone. His demand comes amid concerns over the extent of land covered by the notification and its possible implications for people living and carrying out activities in the affected areas. The MP called for a detailed assessment based on actual physical conditions rather than relying solely on existing records.

Mr. Raghavendra also called for Karnataka to consider the approach followed in Kerala while determining the extent of its ESA. He urged the State Government to study the so-called Kerala model and undertake a ground-level verification of the areas included in the notification. According to him, a physical survey would help distinguish genuinely sensitive ecological areas from settlements and other lands that may have been included in the notified boundaries. Such an exercise, he suggested, could provide a clearer basis for reducing the extent of the ESA while retaining necessary environmental protection.

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The issue has become a significant concern in parts of Karnataka where communities and local representatives are seeking clarity over the consequences of the ESA notification. Restrictions associated with ecologically sensitive areas can affect land use and development activities, making the identification of boundaries an important issue for residents. Mr. Raghavendra’s demand focuses on ensuring that the final boundaries are determined after examining conditions on the ground. He maintained that environmental protection should be balanced with the interests of people living in areas that may have been included in the notification.

The Shivamogga MP's comments came as the State Government prepares to consider the ESA issue through the proposed special session of the Legislature. He welcomed the move, indicating that a detailed discussion in the Legislature could provide an opportunity to examine concerns raised by elected representatives and affected communities. A physical survey, followed by a review of the notified boundaries, could help the government assess whether all the currently identified areas meet the criteria for inclusion. The exercise would also give authorities an opportunity to address differences between official maps and the actual situation on the ground.

Mr. Raghavendra reiterated that the objective should be to protect genuinely sensitive forest and ecological areas without unnecessarily expanding the notification to cover additional land. His call for a physical survey and a reduction of the ESA follows his demand that no land beyond the already notified forest area should be added. With the State Government expected to take up the matter in the Legislature, the extent and implementation of the ESA notification are likely to remain subjects of discussion. The MP has urged Karnataka to use the legislative process and ground-level verification to arrive at boundaries that he believes are both environmentally appropriate and acceptable to local communities.

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