Loading…
The Union Environment Ministry reissued the draft eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) notification for Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on 2 September 2026 — its second attempt after the first draft of 27 July 2017.
The proposed ESZ covers 573.95 sq km (304.09 sq km of village land and 269.86 sq km of reserve forest), touching 101 villages in Mysuru and Kodagu districts.
It extends 1.0-7.44 km from the reserve boundary, and up to 24.08 km on the north-west where reserve forests adjoin.
Commercial mining, new industries, hydroelectric projects, large livestock/poultry farms, untreated sewage discharge and saw mills are prohibited; objections are open for 60 days.
A buffer around a national park, sanctuary or tiger reserve where harmful activities are banned or regulated so that the protected area is not hemmed in by mines, industry and construction. Notified by the Centre, first in draft for public objections, then final.
Simple Analogy: A shock absorber between the forest and the town.
ESZs are notified by the Centre under its power to restrict activities to protect the environment; the Nagarahole draft is issued under this Act.
Provides for tiger reserves and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Had ordered a minimum 1-km ESZ around protected areas; later relaxed, keeping area-specific ESZ notifications like Nagarahole's central.
Issues draft and final ESZ notifications
Statutory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act that oversees tiger reserves
Nagarahole lies in Mysuru and Kodagu districts of Karnataka, near the Karnataka-Kerala-Tamil Nadu tri-junction. The Nagarahole stream flows through it into the Kabini. Bandipur Tiger Reserve adjoins it to the south-east and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) to the south-west; it is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
GS Paper III > Environment > Conservation, protected areas
General Awareness > National parks and tiger reserves
Notified buffer around a protected area where activities are prohibited or regulated
Core area of a tiger reserve kept inviolate for tiger conservation
Proposal published for public objections, usually 60 days, before a final notification