R S TEJUS:
Serious concerns have been raised on the ongoing construction works within the draft ESZ area of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, India. One of the most famous tiger reserves in the country, Nagarhole is known for its healthy tiger population and is also home to a large number of Asian elephants.
But unfortunately, the Karnataka Forest Department has turned a blind eye to such illegal constructions that is happening within 100 meters of Nagarhole which is located in Western Ghats, one of the world’s biodiversity hotspot.
Such an illegal development is taking place without the necessary NoC from the concerned departments.
Further, the construction work of the resort or maybe, a wellness center is taking place in close proximity to the D-Line which marks the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve’s boundaries at the Antarsanthe Range.
Local villagers, including Mada, Shivakumara, and Ashoka (names changed), from Magge and Malali villages, have shared their concerns about land grabbing activities by affluent and politically connected individuals.
The villagers are seeking constructive engagement with the Karnataka Forest Department to stop works such as resorts, hotels, and similar establishments as Nagarhole Tiger Reserve has witnessed rapid development of constructions, thereby, threatening not only their community but also its fragile habitat.
As per the draft ESZ notification of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve under head B Regulated Activities: Item number 8 and 9: any commercial establishment of hotels and resorts, construction activities respectively must follow the following guidelines:
No new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted within one kilometer of the boundary of the Protected Area or up to the extent of Eco-sensitive Zone, whichever is nearer, except for small temporary structures for Eco-tourism activities: Provided that, beyond one kilometer from the boundary of the Protected Area or up to the extent of Eco-sensitive Zone whichever is nearer, all new tourist activities or expansion of existing activities shall be in conformity with the Tourism Master Plan and guidelines as applicable.
Within the ESZ, such construction activities are either not permitted or regulated:
- No new commercial construction of any kind shall be permitted within one Kilometer from the boundary of the Protected Area or up to extent of the Eco Sensitive Zone whichever is nearer: Provided that, local people shall be permitted to undertake construction in their land for their use including the activities listed in sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 6 as per building byelaws. Provided that the construction activity related to small scale industries not causing pollution shall be regulated and kept at the minimum, with the prior permission from the competent authority as per applicable rules and regulations, if any.
- Beyond one kilometer, it shall be regulated as per the Zonal Master Plan.
How can anybody overrule the draft ESZ notification on Nagarhole and take up such illegal activities that too within 100 meters of the country’s premier tiger reserve, question wildlife activists?
A senior forest department official who wishes to remain anonymous, has expressed his serious concerns on the ongoing developments and called for accountability within the Karnataka Forest Department. The forest official has called for a proactive response from the Range Forest Officer (RFO) of the Antarsanthe Range and the Director of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve.
Acknowledging the current situation, the forest officer highlighted that one construction is taking place adjacent to the D-line and the Kabini backwaters in the Safari Zone, while another construction is violating the limits of Magge village.
Both the villagers and senior forest officials recognize the need for a unified approach to address these challenges and advocate for immediate and thoughtful action from the Karnataka Forest Department. By working together, authorities can not only safeguard the ecological integrity of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve but also respect the rights and concerns of the local communities who live around this tiger reserve.
(PHOTO CREDIT: ALL PHOTOS BY R S TEJUS EXCEPT IMAGE 4)