In a significant setback for Karnataka’s efforts to advance the Kalasa-Banduri water diversion project, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has dismissed the Karnataka government’s request to utilize 26.96 hectares of forest land for the project’s execution.
This decision transpired during the 77th session of the permanent committee of the authority, chaired by Bhupendra Yadav, Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, convened recently. The meeting extensively deliberated on the project’s execution and its potential repercussions.
Under Section 38 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the permanent committee holds the authority to adjudicate on proposals submitted by the NTCA. The Karnataka government had forwarded the proposal to the NTCA for its endorsement.
Additionally, the proposal entailed the necessity for approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change for the utilization of 26.96 hectares of forest land imperative for the project. Sources indicate that the proposal was duly forwarded to the Ministry for its consideration and approval.