CEC team inspects Bannerghatta National Park amid mining, encroachment allegations

Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee conducts field inspection and meetings ahead of January 7 hearing on eco-sensitive zone reduction plea.

A team from the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) visited the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) in Bengaluru to examine allegations of illegal mining, land encroachment and environmental damage in and around the protected forest area.

The inspection was led by CEC member Chandraprakash Goyal, following a case currently under consideration before the Supreme Court. The matter relates to alleged unauthorised mining activities, real estate expansion and urbanisation threatening the ecological balance of the national park.

As part of the visit, the CEC team first held a detailed review meeting with senior forest department officials at the Bannerghatta Jungle Lodge. During the meeting, officials presented the current status of the park using satellite-based maps and data, highlighting changes over the past ten years, including the growth of residential areas and resorts near the forest boundary.

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The inspection team later conducted on-ground visits to Bannerghatta National Park and its surrounding villages, including Shivanahalli, Ragihalli and Therubeedi, to assess the ground realities firsthand.

Senior officials present during the review included Meenakshi Negi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF and Head of Forest Force), Shivashankar, Conservator of Forests (CF), Kajol Patil, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), and Ravi Kumar, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF).

Officials briefed the CEC on concerns related to mining operations, real estate interests and rapid urbanisation posing risks to the park’s fragile ecosystem. Specific issues raised included the alleged reduction of the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Bannerghatta National Park and threats to established elephant corridors due to human activity.

Bannerghatta National Park, located very close to Bengaluru city, is considered ecologically critical for Karnataka. Like all national parks, it has a designated eco-sensitive zone, but a petition seeking a reduction in the ESZ limits is currently pending before the Supreme Court.

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CEC member Chandraprakash Goyal stated that the committee will conduct a detailed and scientific assessment of the situation. Based on field observations, satellite data and official inputs, the CEC will prepare a comprehensive report and submit it to the Supreme Court.

The matter is scheduled for hearing before the Supreme Court on January 7. The CEC has been asked to complete its inspection and submit its findings before the hearing. Officials confirmed that while preliminary ground information has already been shared, a scientifically evaluated report will be filed to assist the court in its decision.