Karnataka wildlife board approves key infrastructure projects in eco-sensitive zones

Karnataka Wildlife Board okays NH-75 Kushalanagar–Mysuru highway and Sharavathi road works; projects await national wildlife clearance

The Karnataka State Wildlife Board has granted preliminary clearance to two major infrastructure proposals involving ecologically sensitive areas. The first is the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) greenfield NH-75 project, a 100-kilometre highway connecting Kushalanagar to Mysuru. This road will be developed in four phases and is expected to enhance regional connectivity and reduce travel time between the two cities.

To execute the project, NHAI has sought approximately 54 hectares of land falling within the eco-sensitive zone of the Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary and the buffer zone of the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve. The proposal now awaits approval from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, as it involves protected wildlife habitats.

In addition, the Board has approved a Public Works Department (PWD) proposal to widen the existing road leading to the Sharavathi Lion Tailed Macaque Wildlife Sanctuary. The upgrade aims to improve access for residents living within the sanctuary’s boundaries and is linked to broader infrastructure plans, including the pumped storage project in the Sharavathi valley.

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As part of the process, the Forest Minister has agreed to recommend the release of 0.976 hectares of forest land in the Sharavathi region to the National Board for Wildlife. The proposals were initially submitted via the Parivesh portal in September and will now be reviewed by the central wildlife authority for final clearance.

These approvals mark a significant step in balancing infrastructure development with ecological preservation. While the projects promise improved connectivity and energy infrastructure, they also underscore the need for careful planning and oversight to protect Karnataka’s rich biodiversity.