The Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change (MOEFCC) have tabbed eleven wetlands in Karnataka which includes Bellandur, Vartha, Ranganthittu and Aghanashini as prime focus for conservation. This move comes considering Karnataka is the only state that does not have a Ramsar site.
The other lakes included in the conservation plan are Bonal (Yadgir), Gudavi (Shivamogga), Kokkare Bellur (Mandya), Magadhi (Gadag), Hidkal (Belagavi), Heggeri (Haveri) and K G Koppa.
The Forest Department officials have stated, the move was to bring comprehensive restoration and conservation of the lakes.
Joint Secretary of MOEFCC, Manju Pandey has emphasized on the support the Centre extends to the states, “We had sought proposals from the state wetland authorities on potential Ramsar sites. We have selected the wetlands considering the aspirations and other available details of the wetland. Some of the places were already under the focus of various programmes.”
“Once we receive proposals from the state government, they will be vetted and based on the merit, the Centre will fund projects to develop them,” Manju further added.
