Karnataka Cabinet Recommends Six Wildlife Sanctuaries as Ecologically Sensitive Areas

In a significant move towards environmental conservation, the Karnataka State Cabinet has given its nod to a proposal recommending six wildlife sanctuaries and areas surrounding another sanctuary to be declared as ecologically sensitive zones. This decision, aimed at preserving the delicate balance of biodiversity, aligns with the directives laid out by the Supreme Court and guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests on February 9, 2011.

The six sanctuaries earmarked for this designation include the Bukkapattana Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kamasandra Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarahole and Kali Tiger Reserves, Kappatagudda, Anashi National Park, and the areas surrounding the Cauvery Extended Wildlife Sanctuary.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the proposal was meticulously finalized following recommendations from a Cabinet sub-committee, which convened on October 11, 2023. This strategic move underscores the state government’s commitment to safeguarding its rich natural heritage and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its ecosystems.

In a parallel decision addressing the persistent issue of man-animal conflict, the State Cabinet also greenlit guidelines aimed at determining compensation for individuals relinquishing their land to the Forest Department due to such conflicts or those voluntarily offering land located within wildlife corridors to the government.

Forest Minister B. Eshwar Khandre spearheaded the proposal for these guidelines, emphasizing their role in enhancing forest cover and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts by facilitating unimpeded wildlife movement.

These guidelines outline varying compensation rates based on factors such as the location of the land within the forest or wildlife corridor, land ownership status, and the nature of land use. Drawing from the comprehensive guidelines set forth by the National Tiger Conservation Authority in 2012, the proposal suggests offering a compensation of ₹15 lakh to each family residing in tiger reserves seeking relocation.

The Karnataka government’s proactive measures reflect a concerted effort to strike a balance between conservation imperatives and the welfare of communities residing in and around ecologically sensitive areas. As these recommendations move forward, they hold the promise of fostering harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife while safeguarding the natural splendor that defines Karnataka’s landscape.