Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Aug 16: Former minister Ramanath Rai opposed the Kasturirangan report and urged the Central government to reject the same.

Addressing media here on Thursday August 16, Ramanath Rai said," When I was the forest minister, I had written to Central government to reject the Kasturirangan report. The committee constituted by the Cabinet took opinions of all gram panchayats, people and advised to reject Kasturirangan report,”

“We also urged to review the ecological sensitive areas during the meeting in 2015. But the Central government has drafted the notification to implement the Kasturirangan report,”

"Ecological sensitive area in this state is 30,573 sq km which is in excess of the requirement of 20,668 sq km. So it is better to reject this report at the earliest. Central government has the right to reject this. On the other hand, opposition leaders are alleging that state government has not responded to the notification, which shows that they lack information about the report. We always oppose this report and continue opposing it,” said Rai.

“If the Central government does not take step to reject the Kasturirangan report, then we will fight against it,” warned Rai.

District In charge minister U T Khader said," After a heavy rainfall witnessed in the coast, a meeting will be held chaired by chief minister Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru with regard to the measures that can be taken and also to discuss to release relief funds,”

He also informed that district Congress will send help to Kerala who was affected by heavier rains.

Former district Congress president Ibrahim Kodijal, Mayor Bhaskar and others were present.