The decision of the Union Government to declare Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Bandipur National Park in Karnataka as eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) gives impetus to the efforts of conservation and also to help protect the tiger habitat in the wild.

Bandipur Park is located between where the Deccan Plateau meets the Western Ghats and the altitude of the park ranges from 680 meters (2,230 ft) to 1,454 meters (4,770 ft) and is one of the very sensitive eco zones in the country with highest tiger population.

This is the first tiger reserve which has been declared as ESZ in the country. The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests in its notification dated October 4, 2012, has declared it as ESZ.

As per the SC order, the delineation of the ESZ was mandated under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. As per the provision an initial draft ESZ plan was drawn through thorough analysis of wildlife corridors, ecologically important areas, and needs of people. Further, extensive public consultations were held with MLAs, MLCs of the area, village communities, and local body members before drawing up the final ESZ plan.

This assumes importance since Bandipur is in a very crucial part of the tiger conservation landscape connecting other wildlife habitats such as the Nagarahole and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves and Waynaad Wildlife Sanctuary. These continuous areas host the highest density of tigers, their prey species and Asian elephants in the world.

source: http://www.dailypioneer.com / Home> Bangalore / Sunday, October 14th, 2012