Bannerghatta National Park

Bannerghatta National Park, located in Karnataka, India, is currently at the center of a controversial proposal by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to construct a six-lane elevated highway. This project has raised significant concerns among activists and conservationists due to its potential impact on the park’s wildlife and ecosystem. The highway plan involves cutting through the elephant habitat and felling 1,288 trees. In response, an online petition has gathered over 5,000 signatures urging the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) to reconsider the project. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the park’s wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards, and finding solutions that balance infrastructure development with environmental conservation.

Additionally, the Karnataka Forest Department’s decision to start new safari routes within the park has been met with opposition from activists. They argue that increased tourism activity could negatively affect the wildlife and natural habitats, raising concerns about the potential increase in poaching and habitat disruption.

Overall, the situation at Bannerghatta National Park illustrates the complex balance between development, conservation, and tourism, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the environmental impact of such projects.