Bengaluru
As the countdown begins for the September 5 meeting of the State Board for Wild Life, attention has turned to the government over its decision to protect the Hesaraghatta grassland.
In January 2021, the proposal to declare 5,010 acres as the Greater Hesaraghatta Grasslands Conservation Reserve under Section 36A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, was rejected due to objections from Yelahanka MLA SR Vishwanath.
The High Court, however, quashed the boards order stating that the decision reflects non-application of mind. The court has directed the board to take a fresh look at the proposal.
Declaration of the grassland as a reserve area has squashed the governments grand plans to build a film city in the area. Once declared a reserve area, the government must constitute a management committee to advise the chief wildlife warden on conserving, managing and maintaining the grassland that hosts a unique ecosystem.
As per the biodiversity report submitted during the previous meeting, Hesaraghatta is host to 133 types of birds and 40 local natural plants. The Animal Husbandry Department, which holds the title of the majority of the grassland, has given its consent to declare it a reserve.
Wildlife photographer and activist Mahesh Bhat, who has worked extensively on the Hesaraghatta and studied its role as a catchment area, said protecting the grassland was necessary to ensure water security of people in the surrounding region.
He also noted that it would make the second largest green space for Bengaluru, after Bannerghatta. Considering the challenges of climate change, Hesaraghatta has a crucial role to play, he added.
Activist Vijay Nishanth said the government must complement peoples commitment to protect the grassland. This is an opportunity to set things right, he added.
