316sqkm area around Kudremukh National Park declared Eco-Sensitive Zone

Mysuru: In a big boost to the efforts to preserve the thick green forests of the Western Ghats of the state, which is considered a part of one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world, the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change has notified 316.6sqkm around the boundary of Kudremukh National Park as Eco-sensitive Zone.
In October 2019, the ministry had invited objections for the draft notification. However with not much resistance from the locals and other lobbies, the draft notification now stands finalised. Decades ago, the locals had opposed the formation of Kudremukh National Park citing difficulties for their livelihood.
Sanjay Mohan, PCCF and head of forest force, said it is a welcome move. “There was no objection to announcing this area as Eco-sensitive Zone,” he said.
G Veeresh, honorary wildlife warden from Chikkamagaluru, said the move will help in the protection of ecology in and around Kudermukh National Park. “Many activities have been banned inside the eco-sensitive zones. This will further ensure the safety of the wildlife,” he said, adding: “There were no objections for this eco-sensitive notification by anyone. It is also a welcome trend.”
As per the notification, 51 villages — the highest — coming under the new zone are in Mudigere taluk (Chikkamagalur). “It is good for environment. Its impact on the common man is yet to be ascertained,” said Sudhakar D, a resident of Kottigehara.
QUOTE
It is locals who preserved the biodiversity of this region. However, rules and notifications related to biodiversity and eco-sensitivity will not become a problem for them. Officers should not create problems for locals using this government notification.
C T Ravi, chikkamagaluru district minister
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NOTIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS
* According to the final notification, the state government shall, for the purposes of the Eco-sensitive Zone, prepare a Zonal Master Plan within two years from the date of publication of this notification in consultation with locals.
* Fourteen departments, including tourism and PWD, shall be part of the consultation. Eco-tourism activities, non-polluting cottage and small-scale industries are allowed in the zone.
* Thirty-three activities, including commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units, setting up of new saw mills, major hydro-electric power projects, use or production or processing of any hazardous substances, erection of wind mills, use of polythene bags, commercial establishment of hotels and resorts have been regulated in the area.
* A 14-member monitoring committee has been proposed. It will be headed by the regional commissioner of Mysuru division.