Background and Significance of Hesaraghatta Grasslands
In January 2025, the Karnataka Cabinet officially recognized the importance of the Hesaraghatta Grasslands by declaring it a conservation reserve, named Greater Hesaraghatta Grasslands Conservation Reserve (GHGCR). This declaration followed a government notification on February 24, which underscored the ecological significance of grasslands as unique ecosystems vital for biodiversity and as carbon sinks.
Ecological Importance
- Biodiversity Reservoir: The grasslands serve as a habitat for endangered species such as the leopard, slender loris, jackal, and various reptiles and birds.
- Migratory Bird Habitat: The area is a crucial stopover for wintering migrants from Europe, Central Asia, and the Himalayas, including the globally threatened Lesser Florican.
- Carbon Sequestration: Grasslands play a significant role in capturing atmospheric carbon, thus mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Challenges and Conservation Efforts
Despite its declaration as a conservation reserve, the GHGCR faces challenges such as garbage dumping, unregulated human activity, and inadequate management. The local community expresses concerns over the lack of security and infrastructure to protect the area.
