The NTCA report warned that obstructing elephant movement could aggravate human-elephant conflict
It also called for enforcement of a 2012 govt notification prohibiting the conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural and commercial purposes in the Bandipur buffer zone. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mysuru | Silver Rate in Mysuru | Bank Holidays in Mysuru | Public Holidays in Mysuru Stay updated with the latest Mysuru news.
Wildlife activist Joseph Hoovar said the proposed corridor would help curb the buying of land by outsiders in the buffer zone and check unregulated construction of luxury hotels and other establishments that disrupt elephant migratory routes. Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha activist Shivapura Mahadevappa said the declaration must not prevent farmers from selling their land when faced with financial distress or interfere with their traditional farming practices. Mysuru: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has recommended that the Union govt declare Kaniyanapura forest an elephant corridor, citing its proximity to Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR). The recommendation has sparked a debate between conservationists and local residents over ecological protection, livelihoods and land rights. The move follows the Union govt’s declaration of the Segur elephant corridor in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris, connecting Mudumalai National Park with the Bandipur-Wayanad landscape. The declaration restricted the construction of luxury resorts and farmhouses in the corridor. In its report, NTCA expressed concern over the growing number of luxury resorts and farmhouses around BTR, along with electric fencing and concrete compound walls that obstruct elephant movement. It also flagged the purchase of land from local farmers by outsiders for commercial ventures, including resorts, hotels and farmhouses. The report warned that obstructing elephant movement could aggravate human-elephant conflict and crop damage by wild elephants. NTCA has urged the Centre and state govt to declare Kaniyanapura and other ecologically sensitive areas around BTR as elephant corridors, curb the sale of farmland to outsiders and restrict commercial construction, particularly luxury hotels, restaurants and farmhouses with bright lights and high compound walls. It also called for curbs on loud music and unrestricted human movement, which disturb elephants along the reserve’s periphery. The authority recommended that the declaration should not adversely affect local farmers or their livelihoods. saying it would strengthen conservation in the region, farmers and other residents fear restrictions could prevent them from selling their land to outsiders at remunerative prices While wildlife activists have welcomed the proposed corridor. They also contend that farmhouses, hotels and resorts on their land generate employment and supplement their incomes. Download the TOI App.