Monitoring committee rejects commercial buildings near BRT Tiger Reserve ESZ

Mysuru: Amidst complaints from environmentalists, that no action was taken against illegal resorts, homestays, hotels and lodges within the limits of Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve, Yelandur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, the officials held an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) monitoring committee meeting last month and made a few decisions.

It's been more than two years since the National Tiger Conservative Authority (NTCA) conducted an inspection and directed action. Despite inspections, issuing notices and meetings, no steps were taken against encroachments.

The monitoring committee meeting, which was held on February 7, was presided over by Mysuru Regional Commissioner D S Ramesh, with Chamarajanagar DC Shilpa Nag, DCF BRT Tiger Reserve B S Sripathi and ACF Prakashkar Akshay Ashok.

It was decided that new commercial construction shall not be permitted within 1 km from the boundary of the protected area or up to the Eco-Sensitive Zone, whichever is nearer. However, beyond 1 km, they will be regulated as per the Zonal Master Plan.

The meeting held a discussion on the application for new structures under BRT, and those under ESZ were rejected. The Regional Commissioner directed to prepare a Zonal Master Plan within six months.

Speaking to DH, Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag said, "Member-secretary and DCF Sripathi will present the agenda to the Regional Commissioner. Depending on the guidelines, some approvals can be given on residential and commercial activities. But some activities are banned as there are geographical limitations."

“Two years ago, the NTCA submitted a report, recommending action against illegal tourist establishments. Even though the Revenue Department issued notices in 2023, no eviction was done. I urge the authorities to take immediate action. I welcome the decision of the committee to reject commercial proposals,” said Giridhar Kulkarni, a complainant.

The last monitoring committee meeting was held on August 3, 2023, to discuss steps to be taken by the Revenue Department. The department issued notices to illegal structures on December 11, 2023, directing to clear illegal resorts, homestays and lodges.

NTCA inspection

Following complaints from environmentalists, the authorities of NTCA, Bengaluru, conducted an inspection in November 2022, and submitted a factual report, stating that illegal resorts and homestays are being operated, violating the guidelines of NTCA and ESZ.

The illegal constructions have come up without necessary permission from the Tourism or Forest Department and Pollution Control Board, it stated.

The NTCA had issued directions to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Karnataka, to take action, who wrote to the Regional Commissioner, to discuss the matter in the ESZ Monitoring Committee meeting.

It also directed the Field Director, BRT Tiger Reserve, as the Member-Secretary, Monitoring Committee, BRT Tiger Reserve Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-Sensitive Zone, should convene a meeting and review the matter, case-wise, regarding violations by homestay, resort and hotels, operating in BRT limits and to take action as per law.