Proposals for commercial activities near BRT Tiger Reserve Eco Sensitive Zone rejected

Authorities reject commercial ventures near BRT Tiger Reserve, emphasizing conservation efforts and adherence to environmental protection guidelines.

In a move that will have a positive bearing on conservation, the authorities have rejected proposals for establishing commercial ventures close to BRT Tiger Reserve in Chamarajanagar.

The Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Monitoring Committee of BRT Tiger Reserve met in February and decided against issuing permission for 11 new ventures that were ostensibly commercial. This included applications seeking permission for a hotel, a commercial complex, a warehouse, a petrol bunk, a residential layout, a community hall described as a public utility, and a wine store, apart from three other applications with no description of the venture though they were mentioned as commercial.

The issue came for discussion before the ESZ monitoring committee, and the members noted that the places mentioned were within one km radius of the ESZ of BRT Tiger Reserve. The committee recalled the directives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change as per which “New commercial construction of any kind shall not be permitted within one km boundary of the protected area or the ESZ, whichever is nearer.”

The Forest Department personnel who confirmed the developments said all the 11 applications that were turned down have projects within the one km radius. But in the case of a proposed borewell at Biligirirangana Betta, it was decided to survey the area in question before taking a decision.

The monitoring committee also took note of two homestays in Yellandur, both of which are within half a km distance of the BRT Tiger Reserve boundary, and dubbed them as illegal.

Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag said in the meeting that notices have been issued to the unauthorised homestay facilities.

Meanwhile, Giridhar Kulkarni, a wildlife conservationist, said, “It has been more than two years since NTCA submitted a report recommending action against illegal tourism establishments.” He pointed out that in the previous meeting, the Revenue Department was asked to enquire into the matter and take necessary action.