News: The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has recommended withdrawal of Karnataka’s 2020 notification reducing the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), citing violations of environmental safeguards.

Highlights:

Recommendation followed a petition by K.B. Belliappa and others challenging the dilution of ESZ limits.

Key Findings:

• 2017 ESZ proposal: ESZ ranging from 100 metres to 4.5 km around BNP.
• 2020 notification: Reduced ESZ extent, allegedly enabling ecological degradation.
• CEC flagged non-compliance with principles of precaution and conservation.

Ecological Significance of BNP:

• Part of a contiguous forest landscape of ~3,000 sq km, along with three wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Supports seasonal movement of around 100 elephants.
• Contains three critical elephant corridors, including the Karadikkal–Madeshwara corridor.

Concerns:

• Shrinking ESZ threatens wildlife habitats and corridors.
• Increased risk of human–wildlife conflict and fragmentation of forest ecosystems.

Outcome:

• CEC suggested restoration of ESZ boundaries by withdrawing the 2020 notification.
• Reinforces the need to balance development with ecological protection through strict ESZ enforcement.