Speaker ready to quit against Unesco tag

Speaker KG Bopaiah too joined the members of Legislative Assembly in opposing the Unesco heritage site tag for Western Ghats by declaring that he was ready to quit the Speaker’s post, but cannot let down Kodagu district, which also comes under the Western Ghat region.

Presenting his views on a resolution moved by BJP member H Halappa opposing the heritage site tag, Speaker Bopaiah made it clear that its implementation would affect the lives of people living in the forest areas of Western Ghats for several years.

“I would not have been a Speaker if there was no Kodagu. For me, Kodagu comes first and later is the question of my state and country. I cannot compromise on the interests of Kodagu. I am ready to quit the post of Speaker, but cannot give up Kodagu,” he said.

Members cutting across party lines strongly opposed the heritage tag and accused the union government of getting the tag from Unesco without seeking the opinion of state government.

The house later unanimously adopted the resolution opposing the heritage tag. Forest and Environment minister CP Yogeshwar expressed his readiness to lead an all party delegation to union government to impress the union government to get the heritage tag cancelled.

“I have written twice to union government against the heritage tag, but have not received any reply so far,” Yogeshwar said.