The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has declared 143.12 square kilometre of forest area under Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, as eco-sensitive zone.
Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, with rich flora and fauna, is a protected wildlife sanctuary situated at Kollegal in Chamarajanagar district. Eight revenue villages and 18 tribal hamlets come under the wildlife sanctuary limits. As the sanctuary has been declared as the eco-sensitive zone, more than 30 commercial and developmental activities will be affected.
The Ministry has directed the officials concerned to encourage only activities like rainwater harvesting, organic farming, cottage industry and forest farming. It may be mentioned that the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, adjoining MM Wildlife Sanctuary, was declared eco-sensitive zone in year 2017.
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