Karnataka Seeks Flexibility on Coastal Zone, Western Ghats Rules

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to address state concerns over the revised Coastal Zone Management Plan and the proposed Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area notification. He sought state-specific flexibility, survey-based verification of maps, and protection for fishing communities and coastal settlements, while insisting Karnataka is not seeking to dilute ecological safeguards.