1,495 acre forest in Karnataka's Vijayapura declared biodiversity heritage site

Bengaluru: The state government on Wednesday declared 1495 acre of reserved forest in Vijayapura district's Mamadapur as a biodiversity heritage site, setting the stage for the scientific management of the scrub forest land home to several species of flora and fauna.

In an order, the government said the 1,494 acre 38 gunta of land previously declared in various adjacent notified forest areas has been declared as 'Shri Siddeshwara Swamiji Biodiversity Heritage Site', named after the spiritual leader who was known for simplicity and pro-conservation stance.

The order said the deputy conservator of forests, Vijayapura had proposed the biodiversity heritage site based on four criteria: ecological features, fragile ecosystem, cultural significance and community support.

Rich fauna

The order said the notified forests are a vital ecological region characterised by dry deciduous and scrub forests. The area serves as a habitat for various species of flora and fauna, including leopard, Indian fox, hyena and numerous bird species. "The forest also plays a crucial role in water conservation, soil stabilisation and supporting the livelihoods of local communities," it said.

Speaking about the development, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said the heritage site is named after Siddeshwar Swamiji in recognition of his commitment to the conservation of the environment. "He believed in coexistence with nature. The declaration will not affect the local community in any way. Instead, it will pave the way for the scientific management of the forest. A management plan will be developed soon," he said.