In a major conservation move, nearly 3,000 acres of land in Chittapur taluk, known for extreme summer heat, will be notified as Karnataka’s 16th wildlife conservation reserve.
The decision was taken by the State Board for Wildlife, which approved the proposal to declare 2,877 acres at Allur B village as a protected conservation reserve.
From scorching land to protected habitat
Chittapur in Kalaburagi district regularly records temperatures between 43°C and 45°C, making it one of the hottest regions in the state.
Despite the harsh climate, officials said the area has rolling terrain, hillocks and green pockets that support rich biodiversity.
Wildlife found in the region
Researchers have documented several species in the proposed reserve, including:
- Leopard
- Wild boar
- Chital
- Muntjac deer
- Wildcats
- Pangolin
- Jackals
The board unanimously approved the reserve after reviewing the ecological significance of the area.
Villagers gave consent
As required under the Wildlife Protection Act, a special gram sabha was held where villagers reportedly gave consent for the reserve proposal. The gram panchayat then forwarded the recommendation through district authorities.
Karnataka expands green shield
The last reserve declared by the board was the Greater Hesaraghatta Conservation Reserve. The new Chittapur reserve further strengthens Karnataka’s conservation network.
IIM-B campus also gets nod
In another decision, the board approved phase one work for a new Indian Institute of Management Bangalore campus near Jigani, though the site falls within the proposed eco-sensitive zone around Bannerghatta National Park.