SHETTIHALLI SANCTUARY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the state government to expeditiously address the issues causing delays in notifying the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) status for the Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary in Shivamogga, setting a six-month deadline for resolution.

Eco-Sensitive Zones

• About: The Indian Government designates Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around Protected Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
• Area under ESZ: It could go up to 10 Km around Protected Areas.
• Prohibited Activities: Mining, sawmills, the establishment of major hydroelectric projects, commercial use of wood, Tourism

Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Shimoga District of Karnataka.
• Coverage Area: 395.6 square kilometres.
• Declared a wildlife sanctuary: On 23rd November 1974.
• Vegetation: Predominantly covered by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
• Eastern and central parts are mostly covered by dry and moist deciduous forests, while the western parts have semi-evergreen forests.
• Flora: Major tree species include silver oak, teak, Indian Thorny Bamboo, Calcutta bamboo, Asan, Tectona Grandis, Sweet Indrajao, Amla, etc.
• Fauna: Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Jackal, Gaur, Elephant, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Pig, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, etc.
• Birds include Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bulbuls, Parakeets, Doves, Pigeons, Babblers, Flycatchers, Munias, Swallows, Woodpeckers, Peafowl, Jungle fowl, and Partridges.