Why in news?
The Karnataka state government has issued rules to regulate development activities around the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district. Following Supreme Court directions and forest land surveys, authorities now require special permission for any construction or commercial project within the eco‑sensitive zone (ESZ) surrounding the sanctuary.
Background
Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the Western Ghats on the Karnataka–Goa border and covers about 200 sq km. The area was notified as a sanctuary in 2011, primarily to protect the endangered Wroughton’s free‑tailed bat (Otomops wroughtoni) which roosts in the Barapede caves. The sanctuary is part of a larger forest corridor connecting Dandeli and Anshi Tiger Reserves in Karnataka with Goa’s Bhagwan Mahaveer, Mollem and Netravali wildlife sanctuaries. Evergreen and semi‑evergreen forests interspersed with grasslands support a rich array of species including tigers, leopards, sloth bears and endemic birds. The Mahadayi River, called the Mandovi in Goa, originates here.
What do the new rules specify?
- Mandatory permission: Development works such as building houses, roads or commercial facilities in villages within the eco‑sensitive zone now require approval from a committee chaired by the Regional Commissioner. Villages such as Chikhale, Gavase, Chapoli, Amgaon, Gavali, Pastoli, Kabnali, Kangla, Nersa and Shiroli fall under this zone.
- Case‑by‑case assessment: Each proposal will be examined based on survey numbers and ecological impact before granting permission. No new activities can commence without clearance.
- Rehabilitation efforts: The administration noted that several families from Talewadi have been relocated and discussions are ongoing to move others who wish to leave the sanctuary area. Authorities are also addressing issues such as caste certificate documentation for villagers.
- Community concerns: While conservationists welcome the rules, local residents worry that delays in approvals may affect livelihoods. They are seeking greater participation of gram sabhas in decisions affecting their communities.
Ecological significance of Bhimgad
- Endangered bats: The Barapede caves inside Bhimgad are the only known breeding site of the Wroughton’s free‑tailed bat. Discovered in 1913, the species was long considered confined to this cave until small populations were reported in Meghalaya and Cambodia. Colonies roost in rock crevices in groups of a few to dozens of individuals.
- Western Ghats biodiversity: Bhimgad’s wet evergreen and semi‑evergreen forests harbour numerous endemic plants such as Diospyros nigrescens and Myristica malabarica, and provide habitat for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, mouse deer and over 180 bird species. The area forms a crucial corridor connecting protected areas across Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
- Hydrological role: The Mahadayi River rises in these forests and flows westward as the Mandovi, supplying drinking water to Goa. Protecting the catchment helps secure water resources for millions of people.
Conclusion
The new regulations around Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary aim to balance developmental needs with ecological preservation. Ensuring transparent approvals, engaging local communities and protecting critical habitats such as the Barapede caves will be key to sustaining this biodiversity‑rich landscape.