Ministry : Delhi Development Authority (Not Applicable)
Part III-Section 4
Subject : Extra Ordinary
Gazette Analysis: Extraordinary Issue, Part II—Section 3(ii)
Overview
This Extraordinary issue of the Gazette of India contains a cluster of notifications concerning wildlife conservation and land-use regulations in Karnataka, specifically around the Nagarahole (Kabini) and Bandipur Tiger Reserves. The documents operate under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and related amendments, focusing on the creation of eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) and regulating human activity near protected areas.
Key Points
- Wildlife Sanctuary Delineation: Multiple notifications define the external boundaries (ESZ) of the Nagarahole (Kabini) and Bandipur Tiger Reserves, covering thousands of hectares across several taluks in Karnataka.
- Land Classification: The gazette specifies which villages and revenue settlements fall within these protected zones, directly affecting land ownership, use, and development rights.
- Regulation of Activities: Mining, quarrying, commercial plantations, and infrastructure projects within these zones are heavily restricted or prohibited under the amended Wildlife Act.
- Compensation and Relocation: References to rehabilitation packages and land acquisition for conservation purposes appear in related notifications.
- Legal Precedent: These notifications follow earlier Supreme Court interventions (e.g., Animal Welfare Board of India vs. Union of India), reinforcing central authority over state land-use plans in ecologically sensitive areas.
Summary
This issue formalizes the final boundaries of the Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves’ eco-sensitive zones, integrating scientific mapping with administrative records. By identifying exact coordinates and village-wise inclusions, the gazette serves as the legal basis for enforcement, conservation planning, and dispute resolution regarding human-wildlife conflict and land rights in one of India’s most critical biodiversity corridors. The implications are significant for local communities, industrial projects, and forest management policies in the region.
