Western Ghats conservation must protect both farmers and the coast

For people in coastal Karnataka and Malnad, the Western Ghats are not merely a distant range of hills. They are the lifeline behind our rain, rivers, agriculture, plantations and drinking water. Water originating in Malnad flows towards the coast. Forests hold rainwater, while rivers support agriculture, drinking water and livelihoods. Therefore, protecting the Western Ghats is not just a Malnad issue; it is also a question of the coastal region’s future.

The Kasturirangan report is once again being discussed. In 2013, the high-level working group headed by Dr K. Kasturirangan had made recommendations aimed at balancing environmental protection and development in the Western Ghats. After years of discussions, the Union Environment Ministry issued another draft notification on July 27, 2026. The public has been given time until September 25 to submit suggestions and objections.

One of the key recommendations of the Kasturirangan report was to identify around 60,000 sq km of the natural landscape of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area.

Several families in Karnataka’s Malnad and Western Ghats regions have depended on agriculture and horticulture for generations. Around 20,668 sq km and 1,576 villages fall within this area. In such a situation, it is natural for people to have concerns about their homes, land, plantations, roads, employment and future development.

However, regulating mining, quarrying and certain industrial activities that cause large-scale environmental damage is one of the key objectives of these recommendations.

But the question of the Malnad farmer is simple: “What will happen to the land and plantation we have cultivated for generations?” This is not a question that can be ignored.

The question of people in the coastal region is equally important: “Will the Western Ghats remain safe for our rivers, agriculture and drinking water?”

Both questions need a common answer.

Do not place farmers against the environment

Malnad farmers should not be portrayed as being against environmental protection.

A Malnad farmer is not an enemy of the forest. In most cases, the farmer is someone who lives alongside the forest. Treating their livelihood as an obstacle to environmental protection would be wrong.

At the same time, it would also be wrong to describe illegal mining, excessive hill cutting, destruction of natural waterways and environmentally harmful construction as development.

Protecting farmers must also be part of environmental conservation.

The future of the coastal region is also linked to the Western Ghats. The flow of rivers, reservoirs, agriculture and drinking water systems in the coastal region are directly connected to the ecosystem of the Western Ghats.

If the forests of the Ghats weaken, it could also affect the natural system of storing rainwater. Problems such as soil erosion, increased silt in rivers and changes in water flow could potentially affect downstream areas as well.

What the government must do first

The government must provide a clear answer to the question: “Which villages will come under the ESA?”

A scientific, village-wise survey should be conducted. Forests, agricultural land, plantations, residential areas, water sources and landslide-prone areas should all be identified separately.

A single rule should not be imposed across the entire region.

Strict protection should be provided to highly sensitive forest areas.

Environment-friendly and regulated development should be permitted in residential and agricultural areas.

Farmers should be given clear legal information about their land and livelihoods. If there are any restrictions, their scope and reasons should be explained to people in a manner they can understand.

Villages should be encouraged to undertake water conservation, soil conservation, protection of native trees, environment-friendly agriculture, rainwater harvesting and biodiversity conservation.

People must also take responsibility

Protection of the Western Ghats should not be viewed merely as a government programme. It should also be considered the responsibility of local communities.

Development is necessary, but Malnad needs development that does not destroy livelihoods. The people of the region need adequate infrastructure, employment and markets. However, there is no need to destroy the Western Ghats ecosystem to achieve this development.

Development is possible through scientific planning, appropriate technology and an understanding of local conditions.

Development and environmental protection are not enemies. It is wrong planning that turns them into opposing forces.

Time to make a decision

Policies should be formulated by understanding the realities of people in the coastal and Malnad regions, relying on scientific information and considering conditions at the village level.

If the Western Ghats survive, the water of Malnad will survive. If the water of Malnad survives, the lives of people in the coastal region will be safer.

Therefore, this should not merely be a question of supporting or opposing the Kasturirangan report. It is a question of what kind of Karnataka we want to leave for the next generation.

The Western Ghats must be protected. The livelihood of Malnad farmers must be protected. The coastal region’s water must be protected.

Development must also continue.

Achieving all four together may be difficult. But that is the real responsibility before us.

— Dr Mahesh P.G., Mangaluru