Hesaraghatta Grassland Conservation Reserve

Context

The Government of Karnataka has declared Hesaraghatta Grassland as a conservation reserve. This decision is a significant initiative towards protecting the shrinking ecological diversity and natural resources under the pressure of urbanization. This conservation reserve is not only a haven for biodiversity but is also extremely important for the water resources of the Bengaluru region.

What are conservation reserves

• What are: Conservation reserves are areas notified by the government to protect land owned by the state, especially land of the state forest department, with the participation of local communities and gram sabhas.
• Legal framework: Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972 (Section 36A)
• This provision was added after the amendment in the year 2002.
• Notification: By the State Government
  • But where the conservation reserve includes any land owned by the Central Government, consent shall be obtained before making such a declaration.
• Main objectives:
  • To protect natural wildlife corridors
  • To promote co-existence of humans and wildlife
  • To involve local communities in conservation efforts
  • To conserve those areas which have an important contribution in the conservation of biodiversity but which have not been declared as traditional protected areas.
• Importance: It acts as biological corridors (Migration Corridors) or buffer zones between national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved and protected forests.

Process of declaring a conservation reserve

Identification of eligible land

• The state government identifies areas which may be forest department land, revenue department land or public land used by communities. This area may be adjacent to a protected area or may be a migration route for wildlife.

Consultation with local communities

• Local gram sabhas, panchayats and other stakeholders are consulted. If the land is in community use, community consent is required.

Recommendation of the State Wildlife Advisory Board

• The board evaluates the ecology, wildlife presence and other factors of the proposed area. If the board deems it suitable, it recommends to the state government to declare it a conservation reserve.

Notification by the state government

• The state government declares the area as a ‘conservation reserve’ by issuing a gazette notification under Section 36A of the Wildlife Protection Act.

About Hesaraghatta Grasslands

• Geographical location: The reserve is located near the Hesaraghatta Lake, northwest of Bengaluru metropolis. •
• Need: It is the last remaining natural grassland in the Bengaluru region which has remained relatively unscathed from urban development.
• Type: It is a dry tropical savannah.

Significance

• Unique Ecosystem: The Hesaraghatta area comprises of a savanna grassland and wetland ecosystem. It is the last remaining grassland in the Bengaluru region and supports many endangered species of wildlife, birds, insects and reptiles.
• Carbon sink and climate mitigation: The area acts as a natural carbon sink and helps balance the impact of increasing concrete structures in a metropolis like Bengaluru.
• Water security and groundwater recharge: The grassland is the main catchment area of ​​the Arkavathi River, Thippagondanahalli reservoir and Hesaraghatta lake which will increase the groundwater level and contribute to Bengaluru's water security.

Challenges facing conservation

• Illegal encroachment and construction activities like real estate
• Threat to local vegetation due to grazing and wood collection
• Need to balance between livelihood needs of the concerned villagers and conservation goals