Authorities of Kudremukh National Park have issued notices to three resorts for alleged construction violations within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). Deputy Conservator of Forests M Sivarambabu confirmed that the resorts, located in the Karkala and Belthangady ranges, were served notices recently.
Details of the Violations
The notices were issued under the Environment Protection Act and the Wild Life Protection Act, citing unauthorized construction activities that breached ESZ regulations. The ESZ around Kudremukh National Park is designated to act as a buffer to protect the core area from harmful human impact.
According to forest officials, the resorts had allegedly undertaken construction without obtaining the required clearances from the National Board for Wildlife and the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority. The specific nature of the violations includes building structures beyond permissible limits and encroaching upon forest land.
Impact on the Park
Kudremukh National Park, a biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats, is home to several endangered species such as the lion-tailed macaque, Malabar civet, and great Indian hornbill. Unregulated construction in the ESZ threatens the fragile ecosystem by increasing human pressure and fragmenting wildlife habitats.
"The ESZ is crucial for maintaining the ecological integrity of the national park. Any violation here is taken seriously," said M Sivarambabu. He added that the resorts have been asked to respond within 15 days, failing which legal action will be initiated.
Previous Actions and Future Steps
This is not the first instance of action against illegal constructions in the region. In 2024, similar notices were issued to several homestays and resorts. The forest department has been conducting regular surveillance using drone technology to detect encroachments.
The three resorts now face potential fines, demolition of illegal structures, and possible cancellation of leases. The department is also reviewing all existing constructions in the ESZ to ensure compliance with the 2022 Supreme Court guidelines that mandate no new construction within 1 km of protected areas.
