BJP Council member’s views spark debate

BJP member Keshavaprasad’s views on the Kasturirangan report drew the ire of leaders from all parties in the Legislative Council.

While he termed the report “excellent”, he suggested that the State not get into confrontation with the Centre. He also said that people were being incited by those who had not read the notification properly.

Talk of ‘bloodshed’

Apparently taking a swipe at Janata Dal (Secular) member S.L. Bhojegowda, who had earlier said that there could be “bloodshed” if the report is implemented, he said, “Keralam did not follow the confrontation model. It reviewed the report and successfully implemented it.” He also questioned the seriousness of the government in holding the session days before the window for the State to file an objection closes.

Reading out some of the conditions imposed in the recommendations, Mr. Keshavaprasad said that there was nothing wrong with restricting, for instance, multi-speciality hospitals that generate bio-waste. Accusing people of spreading fear, he said, “Contrary to the perception, houses can be built or renovated. Large enough land parcels have been earmarked for housing. Why should the Western Ghats have industries in the red zone? There are no restrictions on agriculture.”

Congress member S. Ravi wanted to know if what Mr. Keshavaprasad said was the official line of the BJP. Senior BJP leader C.T. Ravi, on the defensive, said the practical reality is bad and that it was a big issue for the people of the Malnad districts, as they have an emotional relationship with the land.

Greens face flak

In the course of the discussion, a few members of the Legislative Council came down heavily on environmentalists favouring the implementation of the Kasturirangan report.

While Mr. S. Ravi said there was “nothing to learn” from environmentalists since people for generations have had a relationship with land and forests, Mr. Bhojegowda questioned the contribution of forest officials and environmentalists in the protection of forests, especially the Kudremukh National Park. “What is the qualification of these self-declared environmentalists? Have you been able to remove encroachment of forest land by estates owned by companies or politicians?” he asked.