Karnataka’s Denotification of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary Raises Legal and Ecological Alarms

Description

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The Karnataka government has recently come under scrutiny for allegedly violating both the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and directives issued by the Supreme Court of India by approving a proposal to reduce the size of the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition to this, the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has been criticized for its failure to ensure that the loss of nearly 300 square kilometres of protected area is compensated through appropriate conservation measures or alternative land.

About Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the Shivamogga (Shimoga) district of Karnataka, the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the state’s oldest protected forest regions. It was officially declared a sanctuary on 23rd November 1974 and originally covered an area of approximately 395.6 square kilometres.

Unique Ecological Features

The sanctuary is a mosaic of diverse ecosystems, supporting a wide range of flora and fauna. It features multiple forest types such as:

• Dry Deciduous Forests

• Moist Deciduous Forests

• Semi-Evergreen Forest Patches

Flora

Some of the notable tree and plant species found in the sanctuary include:

• Teak (Tectona grandis)

• Silver Oak

• Indian Thorny Bamboo

• Calcutta Bamboo

• Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

• Asan (Terminalia tomentosa)

• Sweet Indrajao

This vegetation supports a stable and interconnected ecosystem crucial for several wildlife species.

Fauna Of Shettihalli Sanctuary

The sanctuary is home to a rich variety of mammals, birds, and other fauna. Prominent mammalian species include:

• Tigers and Leopards

• Indian Gaur

• Elephants

• Sloth Bears

• Jackals

• Wild Dogs (Dholes)

• Sambar and Spotted Deer

• Bonnet Macaques and Common Langurs

• Wild Boars

Birdlife is equally diverse, with the presence of:

• Hornbills and Kingfishers

• Bulbuls and Parakeets

• Swallows and Munias

• Woodpeckers and Jungle Fowls

• Flycatchers and Peafowls

Important Water Bodies And Sub-Sanctuaries

The sanctuary also encompasses the Tunga Anicut Dam, a crucial wetland that serves as a habitat for otters and a variety of water birds. Additionally, the Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary, situated on an island in the Tunga River, lies within the boundaries of the Shettihalli sanctuary. This sub-sanctuary is particularly significant for bird nesting and migration.

Human Settlements And Displacement History

Interestingly, Shettihalli also has a history of human resettlement. The sanctuary houses numerous displaced families, mainly those who were resettled following the construction of the Sharavathi Dam in the 1960s. This has created ongoing challenges in terms of balancing conservation goals with the livelihoods of local communities.

Legal And Environmental Implications Of Denotification

The decision to denotify nearly 300 sq km of the sanctuary is seen as a violation of existing wildlife protection laws. As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, any changes to the boundaries of a sanctuary must be backed by scientific assessments and approved by the Supreme Court. Environmentalists argue that neither requirement has been fulfilled in this case.

Critics also point out that the NBWL has failed in its oversight role by not recommending any compensatory ecological action for the denotified area. Such oversight could set a dangerous precedent, weakening conservation efforts across the country.

Conclusion

The move to reduce the size of Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary has triggered widespread concern among environmentalists, legal experts, and local communities. With its rich biodiversity and ecological significance, Shettihalli remains a critical natural asset for Karnataka and India. The recent developments underscore the urgent need for stricter compliance with conservation laws and for prioritizing biodiversity over short-term development goals.

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