Ramalinga Reddy directs action against illegal resorts, homestays in tiger reserve zones

Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed forest officials to take immediate action against all illegally established resorts and homestays in the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) and buffer zone of various tiger reserves and protected areas.

The direction was issued at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the State Board for Wildlife, chaired by Mr. Reddy. He sought details of the number of resorts, homestays and other commercial activities operating in the ESZ and buffer zones after the ESZ was notified for various tiger reserves and protected areas.

Focus on commercial activity in ESZ areas

The review will cover commercial establishments and other activities located in areas adjoining tiger reserves and protected areas. Mr. Reddy also directed that there should be minimal disturbance in ESZ areas and that they should be declared as silent zones.

The directions place emphasis on checking illegal establishments while limiting disturbance in ecologically sensitive areas. The minister also sought preparation for Zonal Master Plans to create awareness among people about the dos and don’ts in ESZ areas.

A proposal to establish an eco resort on private land within the buffer zone of Bhadra Tiger Reserve was placed before the meeting. The proposal was deferred.

The committee also rejected a proposal to allow quarrying activities in the ESZ of Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gadag.

Infrastructure proposals sent for recommendation

The meeting approved proposals concerning electrification, BSNL saturation towers, OFC cables and a small connecting bridge for recommendation to the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC NBWL).

The committee also decided to submit a proposal to the SC NBWL for rationalisation of the boundary of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary. The boundary, according to the source, was not properly demarcated while the sanctuary was being notified.

The State Board’s Standing Committee further decided not to alter the ESZ of Bannerughatta National Park.

“With regard to the ESZ re-notification for Bannerughatta National Park it was decided to submit an opinion to the Union government that since all the elephant corridors are already part of the ESZ and the ESZ has been notified after due deliberations the same may be continued, without any modification,” said a statement from the Minister.

Review of tiger reserve buffer zones

The committee decided to review the existing buffer zone notifications for tiger reserves through a Technical Committee. It will also discuss whether any rationalisation of the existing buffer zones is required.

The review will take place alongside action on illegal resorts and homestays, proposals affecting wildlife areas and efforts to regulate activities within ESZ and buffer zones.

Source: The Hindu