Bengaluru, Sept. 21 -- Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra on Monday said the state government must take the lead in finding a permanent solution to concerns surrounding the Kasturirangan report instead of merely passing a resolution against the Centre, stressing that protection of the Western Ghats must go hand in hand with safeguarding farmers and forest-fringe communities.

Speaking during the special session of the Karnataka Assembly, Vijayendra said the government must strike a balance between environmental protection and the livelihood concerns of people living in and around forest areas.

"The Western Ghats must be protected, rivers must be protected and the environment must be protected. At the same time, the people living on th...