Master layout plan for Bannerghatta park approved
The Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) has submitted before the High Court of Karnataka that it has just approved the master layout plan for Bannerghatta Biological Park.
During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by B R Deepak, a City-based advocate, challenging the government’s decision to start night safari in the Biological Park, it was submitted that the CZAI, in its reply dated February 11, 2010, to the letter dated September 26, 2009, by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, has stated that it has scrutinised and approved the master layout plan for the Biological Park.
The division bench comprising Justices V Gopala Gowda and B S Patil directed the petitioner to file objections. When the petitioner sought a direction to maintain status quo, the bench said that he need not worry and there will be no progress on the matter.
The petitioner has stated that Bannerghatta National Park, the only protected forest area in the City spreads over 25,000 acres and is a habitant for asian elephant, 250 species of birds, 20 species of snakes, 150 species of butterflies and 250 different species of plants.
“It is the only elephant corridor and any permission for night safari would be detrimental to the interests of wild animals that inhabit the park due to the interference of human beings and vehicles. The matter has been adjourned.
