Karnataka Planters Association has opposed Prof.Madhav Gadgil’s report on Western Ghats conservation. The Chairman of the Association Mr.Marvin Rodrigues informed in Bangalore today that Union Ministry of Environment has set up a panel under Scientist Dr.K.Kasthurirangan to review the report submitted by Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel.

Prof Gadgil had recommended phasing out of chemical pesticides, insecticides, fungicides within five years from eco sensitive Western Ghats. The report had also recommended discouragement of infrastructure projects like roads and railways. All the states coming under Western Ghats, including Karnataka had opposed the report, claiming that this will be detrimental to plantation and development activities. Planters Association is also opposed to World Heritage tag to Western Ghats if it insists on implementation of Prof.Gadgil report.

The Chairman of the Association, however, asked Central Government to extend subsidies for adopting such eco friendly techniques.