The Karnataka High Court has directed the State government to issue a fresh notification to include the left-out areas of the Kappatagudda reserve forest in the Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary in Gadag district. The direction follows the Karnataka State Wildlife Board’s 2019 resolution to declare the entire reserve forest as a sanctuary, while the official notification covered only part of the area.
Background of the Sanctuary Issue
Kappatagudda is an ecologically sensitive forest region in northern Karnataka. In January 2019, the Karnataka State Wildlife Board unanimously resolved to notify the entire reserve forest as a wildlife sanctuary. However, the May 16, 2019 notification declared only 244.15 sq. km as sanctuary area, leaving out portion of the reserve forest.
Court’s Finding on the Notification
The Division Bench observed that the reduced sanctuary area was inconsistent with the Board’s decision. It held that the exclusion of part of the reserve forest was arbitrary, especially since the Board meeting was chaired by the Chief Minister and the decision had already been acted upon by the State government. The court also noted that there was no clear document showing any lawful decision to reduce the notified area.
Challenge by Stone-Crushing Units
The petitions were filed by stone-crushing operators on patta lands near the fourth block of the reserve forest. They argued that their business interests were affected because their lands fell within the eco-sensitive zone around the sanctuary. They also sought restriction of the sanctuary boundary to 178 sq. km, the area initially proposed in 2017. The court dismissed these petitions.
Legal and Environmental Significance
The Bench directed the government to issue a notification adding the remaining 55 sq. km to the sanctuary. At the same time, it clarified that the government may still decide, in accordance with law, to alter sanctuary boundaries if it considers exclusion of any portion necessary or expedient. The case is for wildlife protection, sanctuary notification procedure, and the legal status of eco-sensitive zones.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026