The final notification for the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary has officially been issued.
Key Highlights:
•Total ESZ Area: 322.695 sq km
–Revenue village area: 298.89 sq km
–Forest area: 23.80 sq km
–Villages included: 62
•Sanctuary Area: 244.15 sq km across Gadag, Mundaragi, Shirahatti, and Laxmeshwar taluks
•Buffer Extent: From 1 km to 4.3 km around the sanctuary boundary
Ecological Significance:
Known as the “Western Ghats of North Karnataka”, Kappatagudda hosts:
–Over 500 rare medicinal plant species
Fauna like leopards, striped hyenas, grey wolves, four-horned antelopes, blackbucks, and bar-headed geese
What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)?
The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) of the MoEFCC stipulated that state governments should declare land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
What are the Activities Allowed in ESZs?
Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc), establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood.
Tourism activities like hot-air balloons over the National Park, discharge of effluents or any solid waste or production of hazardous substances.
