Why in the News?
In January 2026, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommended restoring the original 2016 Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Bannerghatta National Park, reversing the reduced ESZ notified in 2020.
About Bannerghatta National Park (BNP)
- A protected wildlife reserve and biodiversity hotspot
- Acts as the southern green lung of Bengaluru
- Crucial for conserving forests, elephants, and wildlife corridors
- Located in the Anekal hill range, Karnataka
Geological and Physical Features
- Granite hill ranges: Ancient granite formations of the Anekal Hills
- Moist deciduous valleys: Support elephants, deer and predators
- Dry scrub uplands: Important grazing habitats
- Wildlife corridors: Links BR Hills and Sathyamangalam forests, forming a key elephant corridor
- Water system: Suvarnamukhi stream flows through the park, sustaining wildlife
What is the ESZ Issue
- 2016 draft ESZ: 268.9 sq km
- 2020 notification: Reduced to 168.64 sq km
- Reduction excluded:
- Key elephant corridors
- Critical forest buffer zones
- Resulted in increased pressure from:
- Real estate expansion
- Quarrying
- Industrial activities
- Heightened human animal conflict near rapidly expanding Bengaluru
Prelims Pointers
- Bannerghatta National Park lies in Karnataka near Bengaluru
- Forms a vital elephant corridor in southern India
- ESZ reduction occurred in 2020
- CEC functions under the Supreme Court of India
- ESZs regulate activities like mining, industries and construction near protected areas
| [2014] With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?Â
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture Select the correct answer using the code given below:Â (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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