Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary | 12 May 2025
Public intrusion into the eco-sensitive zone of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) has triggered serious concern among conservationists, highlighting threats to the region’s fragile ecosystem and biodiversity.
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are buffer areas (up to 10 km) around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, declared to reduce harmful human activities and are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 as per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002–2016).
- Prohibited: Commercial mining, polluting industries, major hydro projects, sawmills, commercial wood use, etc.
- Regulated: Tree felling, construction of hotels/resorts, commercial water use, pesticide based farming etc.
- Permitted: Traditional farming, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use of renewable energy, and green technologies.
- About Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary: BWS is located in Belgaum district, Karnataka near the Goa border. It spans over the Western Ghats and was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in December 2011.
- It is named after Bhimgad Fort, built by Shivaji in the 17th century to defend against Portuguese forces.
- It is home to diverse avifauna including the Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Imperial Pigeon, Emerald Dove, and the rare Malabar Trogon.
- It is known as the only known breeding site of Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat, found in the Barapede Caves.
- The sanctuary includes the Vajrapoha Waterfalls and forms part of the Mahadayi River’s catchment area.
| Read More: Invasive Species and Food Crisis in Karnataka’s Western Ghats |