NEWS – The Karnataka State Board for Wildlife (SBWL), headed by the Chief Minister, approved the declaration of Hesaraghatta as a conservation reserve. 5,010 acres of land in and around Hesaraghatta will be notified as the ‘Greater Hesaraghatta Conservation Reserve’ (GHCR).

HIGHLIGHTS

• The proposal to declare Hesaraghatta as a conservation reserve was first made in 2013.
• Local conservation activists, seeking judicial intervention, filed a PIL, which eventually led to reconsideration of the proposal.

Details of the Conservation Reserve

• Total Area: 5,010 acres including:
  • Hesaraghatta Grassland: 356 acres
  • Byrapura Lake: 383 acres
  • Byatha Lake: 165 acres
  • Hesaraghatta Lake: 1,356 acres
  • Veterinary Department Land: 2,750 acres
• Legal Declaration: The area is being declared as a conservation reserve under Section 36 (A) of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

Importance of Hesaraghatta

• Unique Ecosystem: Hesaraghatta houses the last savannah (grassland) ecosystem of Bengaluru, crucial for biodiversity and water security.
• Water Security Impact: The ecosystem is vital for Bengaluru’s water security, as highlighted by a committee of experts in 2013.

Biodiversity in Hesaraghatta

• Flora:
  • Native plant species: 39
  • Invasive plant species: 4
  • Recently planted tree species: 12
• Fauna:
  • Mammals: 10 species
  • Reptiles: 5 species
  • Birds: 133 species
  • Amphibians: 1 species
  • Spiders: 3 species
  • Butterflies: 14 species

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION RESERVE?

Definition – A Conservation Reserve is a protected area for conserving biodiversity, where traditional rights and community practices are allowed.

Key Facts

• Ownership: Owned by the state, adjoining national parks and sanctuaries.
• Purpose: Acts as buffer zones or corridors between wildlife sanctuaries, protecting fauna and flora.
• Control: Managed by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee.