In a significant development, the State Wildlife Board, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has approved the proposal to merge Choradenahalli State Forest and Kayithotlu minor Forest areas of Bhadravati division with the Bhadra Tiger Reserve Buffer area ¹
Additionally, the board has also approved the revised proposal for the Shettihalli, an area of 395.64 square kilometers, to benefit the people of Shivamogga city and surrounding villages on the wildlife border.
Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre announced that the proposal will be submitted to the Central Wildlife Board for approval.
This decision is a big relief for the people of Shivamogga, who have been struggling with the forest border issue for a long time. The approval of the revised proposal and the merger of forest areas with the Bhadra Tiger Reserve Buffer area is expected to address their concerns and provide a permanent solution to the issue.