Ponnanna: Kasturirangan draft must not restrict agriculture or hit livelihoods
Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Political Secretary A.S. Ponnanna has said that the Kasturirangan draft notification cannot be accepted in its present form if it imposes restrictions on agricultural activities and adversely affects the livelihoods of people in Kodagu.
Speaking at an interaction organised by the Kodagu District Working Journalists’ Association in Madikeri on Saturday, Mr. Ponnanna said environmental protection and safeguarding the interests of local people must go hand in hand.
“The Western Ghats and the environment must certainly be protected. Only their protection can ensure ecological balance and the well-being of the country. However, the facts surrounding the Kasturirangan report must be understood rather than taking a stand merely for or against it,” he said.
He said implementation of the report could adversely affect rural livelihoods and agricultural activities. People were already facing difficulties due to several restrictions imposed by the Forest Department, he added.
“The Central government has issued the draft notification, but it should clearly state what activities will be restricted. We have no objection to restrictions on mining, quarrying and luxury resorts. But we cannot accept restrictions on agricultural activities such as construction of wells and felling of trees,” Mr. Ponnanna said.
He pointed out that the State government had rejected the Kasturirangan report several times and had once again rejected the latest draft notification. The inclusion of villages in Kodagu had naturally caused concern among residents, he added.
On road development, Mr. Ponnanna said the condition of roads in Kodagu had improved compared to earlier and several road works were being taken up. The Bhagamandala road had been improved, while tenders had been floated for repairs to the Virajpet-Madikeri and Napoklu roads. An allocation of ₹40 crore had also been released for the Virajpet road, he said.
“Not all roads can be described as being in perfect condition. However, the maximum amount of road-related work has been undertaken in the last three years. Baseless allegations are being made against me for political publicity,” he said.
He said the proposal to upgrade the Virajpet hospital had been approved and the electricity network in the constituency had been strengthened. More development works would be taken up sincerely, he added.
On being denied a ministerial berth, Mr. Ponnanna said Kodagu had three Ministers many years ago but had not received a ministerial opportunity for a long period. He said political calculations, including representation from different constituencies and caste considerations, played a role in deciding ministerial positions.
“I was confident that I would become a minister and had even selected two shirts for the occasion. Within a few moments, I learnt that I had missed the ministerial berth. I was surprised when I was subsequently chosen for the post of Deputy Speaker,” he said. He described the Deputy Speaker’s position as a prestigious constitutional post carrying significant responsibility, though it came with certain limitations.
Mr. Ponnanna recalled that when D.K. Shivakumar was KPCC president, he had appointed him chairman of the party’s legal cell. “He wanted to utilise my services politically. Against this backdrop, I have now been appointed Political Secretary. I am proud that my name was considered for the ministerial post and am confident that I will get an opportunity to become a Minister in the future,” he said.
