Proposal seeks special Constitutional status for Karnataka's Western Ghats, coastal regions under new Article 371K

Bengaluru: A comprehensive 10-year programme has been proposed for Karnataka's Western Ghats and adjoining coastal regions, seeking special Constitutional status, stronger ecological protection, livelihood security and balanced regional development.

The Karnataka Western Ghats and Coastal Regions Programme 2027–2037, submitted for consideration to the Karnataka and Union governments on Saturday, proposes an integrated framework to address environmental challenges, regional inequalities, infrastructure gaps, natural disasters and livelihood concerns.

The proposal, submitted by Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission member S. Mohanadass Hegde, seeks the examination and pursuit of a new Article 371K in the Constitution to provide a special framework for regional development, ecological protection, conservation of natural resources, community participation and livelihood security.

The proposed constitutional initiative would have to be pursued through the prescribed constitutional amendment process.

The programme identifies seven major policy and project components, including a Karnataka-specific review of Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) implementation.

The proposal calls for scientific and legal examination of geographical boundaries, settlements, agricultural and plantation lands, traditional occupations and essential infrastructure, while ensuring public consultation and retaining environmental safeguards.

It also proposes a Karnataka Western Ghats and Coastal Regional Development Policy for 2027–2037, covering agriculture, horticulture, plantations, fisheries, tribal and rural development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment, tourism, renewable energy and disaster resilience.

A Regional Development and Economic Transformation Mission has also been proposed to coordinate implementation at the state, district, taluk and village levels through district-wise action plans and measurable development targets.

The proposal further suggests examining the feasibility of establishing a Western Ghats Regional Development and Ecological Board to coordinate conservation, regional planning and interdepartmental cooperation without duplicating existing statutory institutions.

Two major initiatives have been proposed under ecological investment and green economic development.

The Western Ghats Ecological Investment and Sustainable Asset Management initiative, or WGEISAM, would focus on forest and biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, restoration of rivers and streams, soil and water conservation, habitat restoration and scientific ecological monitoring.

The Western Ghats Green Industry and Development Initiative, or WG-AGIDAM, would promote environmentally suitable green industries, clean technologies, agro-processing, horticulture and plantation value addition, sustainable fisheries, responsible tourism, entrepreneurship and local employment.

The proposal makes it clear that economic activities would be confined to legally permitted and environmentally suitable locations and would remain subject to applicable laws and clearances.

A GIS-based Regional Development Atlas has also been proposed to map forests, protected areas, ESA and CRZ regions, rivers, watersheds, coastal settlements, agricultural lands, livelihood areas and disaster-prone locations.

The Planning Department has been proposed as the nodal department, with the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission providing policy coordination and strategic support, subject to government approval.

The programme is proposed to be implemented in four phases between 2027 and 2037, beginning with baseline studies, mapping and legal examination, followed by implementation, expansion and final evaluation.

The proposal seeks the constitution of a multidisciplinary expert committee to examine its constitutional, legal, ecological, developmental, institutional and financial aspects.

It aims to create a model in which environmental protection and people's developmental aspirations advance together.

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