Reactions are pouring in towards Karantaka Government’s plan to reject the proposal to include Western Ghats as World Hertiage Site by UNESCO.

Karnataka Forest Minister C.H. Vijayashankar (R) speaking to Media in Kodagu. File Photo.

The Forest Minister even refered to UNESCO as a “Foreign Agency” and compared it to East India Company.

Netas hand in glove with power, mining Lobbies – TOI
Views of prominent environmentalist on the Govt Opposition.

Unesco does not interfere with sites - TOI
An explanation refuting some of Govt Claims.

Untenable logic – Karnataka must embrace Unesco tag with pride. – Deccan Herald
An Article in Deccan Herald

Tag or no tag, Western Ghats will thrive in Karnataka – DNA
Reaction of Ananth Hegde Ashisara, Chairman, Western Ghats Task force.  The Task Force seems to be have been opposed to the tag from the get go. Interestingly Western Ghats Task Force is set up by the Govt itself.

Why Karnataka is saying no to UNESCO tag – First Post
An article by Subir Ghosh trying to understand the stand and critical about the Govt move.

Fear of eviction unfounded – The Hindu
UNESCO addresses the Govt’s fear about displacement of people from the area, says nothing of that sort can happen. The areas will still be continued to be ruled by the law of the Lands.

World Heritage tag will not affect life in Western Ghats: experts – The Hindu