Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Oct 2: Despite years of activism, the loosening of the Kasturirangan report has yet to be achieved. According to Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole, a significant reason for this is that their struggle has not garnered the expected political support.

He noted that in Kerala, all elected representatives and the public unitedly campaigned and successfully conveyed their concerns to the central government and relevant departments regarding the report's loosening.

"Our struggle must reflect the Kerala model. We need to come together across party lines and effectively communicate local issues to the authorities," he stated during a protest against the implementation of the Kasturirangan report, organised by the Hosangadi Village Protection Committee at the Ganeshotsava Auditorium in Hosangadi.

Former MLA K Gopal Poojary highlighted that satellite surveys conducted by officials had incorrectly classified arecanut, coconut, and rubber plantations as forest land, leading to issues in populated areas due to the Kasturirangan report. He urged representatives and citizens to unite and inform the authorities about the realities of residential areas.

Advocate Satyanarayana Udupa provided insights into the Kasturirangan report, while Shanti Nayak presided over the event.

Former Panchayat member Manju Shetty and senior leader Sitaram Shetty were also present, with Bhujanga Shetty serving as the programme host.