Karnataka HC directs inclusion of 55 sq. km forest area to Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary
The Karnataka High Court has directed the State government to issue a notification to include an additional 55 sq. km of the Kappatagudda reserve forest into the Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gadag district. This directive aligns with a unanimous resolution passed by the Karnataka State Wildlife Board (KSWB) in January 2019, which had resolved to declare the entire 300 sq. km of the reserve forest as a sanctuary. The court noted that only 244.15 sq. km was declared in the May 2019 notification, making the reduction arbitrary and contrary to the Board's decision.
Key Points
- The Karnataka High Court ordered the State government to expand the Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary.
- An additional 55 sq. km of the Kappatagudda reserve forest in Gadag district must be included.
- This directive upholds a 2019 resolution by the Karnataka State Wildlife Board to declare the entire 300 sq. km as a sanctuary.
- The court found the previous notification, which declared only 244.15 sq. km, to be arbitrary.
- The ruling dismissed petitions from stone-crushing units challenging the sanctuary declaration.
Exam Facts
- Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gadag district, Karnataka.
- Karnataka State Wildlife Board (KSWB) resolved to declare 300 sq. km as sanctuary in January 2019.
- High Court directed inclusion of an additional 55 sq. km.
- Previous notification in May 2019 declared 244.15 sq. km.
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