Published Sep 20, 2026 | 9:03 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 20, 2026 | 9:03 PM
On September 21, the Legislative Council is scheduled to discuss the Central government's notification on the Kasturirangan report.
Synopsis: Karnataka will hold a three-day special legislature session from September 21 to 23, focusing on the Kasturirangan report and farmers’ problems amid a widening drought. The session comes as the state opposes the Western Ghats eco-sensitive area proposal and seeks discussions on drought relief, farm debt and assistance from the Centre.
The Karnataka legislature will hold a three-day special session from September 21 to 23 to discuss key issues, including farmers’ problems and the Centre’s notification on ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats based on the Kasturirangan Committee report.
According to an official notice issued by the Karnataka Legislative Council Secretariat on September 9, the sitting is formally an adjourned meeting of the 159th session of the Legislative Council, which was adjourned sine die on August 24. The Council has been reconvened for Monday.
A second revised provisional programme issued on September 16 lists the Kasturirangan issue and farmers’ problems as subjects for discussion during the special session. It states that details of any further programme will be communicated later.
On September 21, the Legislative Council is scheduled to discuss the Central government’s notification dated July 27, 2026, issued on the basis of the report submitted by the High-Level Working Group headed by Dr K Kasturirangan.
The issue concerns the Centre’s proposal to designate parts of the Western Ghats as an Eco-sensitive Area (ESA), which the Karnataka government has opposed.
Ahead of the session, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday, September 20, reiterated the government’s opposition to the Kasturirangan recommendations after meeting people in the affected regions.
“We have convened a special session; it begins tomorrow. I have gathered opinions regarding the sentiments of the people and farmers, as well as the situation of those living near forest areas.
We will discuss these matters in the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. People have brought to my attention the potential disasters they could face and the threats to their livelihoods if the report is implemented,” Shivakumar said, according to ANI.
The CM noted that Karnataka had previously rejected the proposal. The special session comes as the Centre has sought the state’s response to the report’s recommendations by September 27.
The CM had earlier said the government intended to bring a resolution opposing the recommendations, conduct a survey along the lines of Kerala’s, and lead an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue.
The official schedule reserves September 22 and 23 for discussion on “Farmer’s problems and related issues.”
The discussion comes amid an intensifying drought situation in Karnataka.
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said on Sunday that more than 200 taluks could eventually be declared drought-affected as assessments continue. Of these 101 taluks were declared in the first phase,another 24 subsequently, with 52 expected to be added in the coming days while the state faced an estimated loss of around 18,000 crore in the first phase.
The state government is expected to use the session to discuss drought relief measures and assistance to be sought from the Union Government.
Farm debt is also expected to figure in the debate. Parameshwara has called on the Union Government to consider waiving farmers’ loans across the country, while saying Karnataka had already waived interest on farm loans, according to reports.
The Opposition has also sought a farm-loan waiver and higher compensation for drought-affected farmers.
When announcing the special session earlier this month, Parameshwara said it would focus on farmers’ problems, drought and the Kasturirangan issue, with no Question Hour or Calling Attention Motion.
LoP R. Ashoka had sought a seven-day session, arguing that more time was needed to discuss issues concerning the state.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
