Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

About Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: It is located in Shimoga District of Karnataka.
• It spans an area of 395.6 square kilometres.
• It was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 23rd November 1974.
• Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary, present on a small island in the River Tunga is also a part of this Sanctuary. 
• The Tunga Anicut Dam is situated within the sanctuary and provides shelter for otters and water birds.
• Vegetation:
  • It is mainly covered by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
  • The eastern and central parts are mostly covered by dry and moist deciduous forests while the western parts have semi-evergreen forests.
• Flora: Major tree species include silver oak, teak, Indian Thorny Bamboo, Calcutta bamboo, Asan, Tectona Grandis, Sweet Indrajao, Amla, etc.
• Fauna:
  • It houses mammals like Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Jackal, Gaur, Elephant, Sloth Bear Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Pig, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, etc.
  • Birds include Hornbills, Kingfishers, Bulbuls, Parakeets, Doves, Pigeons, Babblers, Flycatchers, Munias, Swallows, Woodpeckers, Peafowl, Jungle fowl and Partridges.

Key Facts about National Green Tribunal (NGT)

• It is a statutory body established by the Government under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
• Purpose: Effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
• It is a quasi-judicial authority, which means it may issue orders binding on the government and other public authorities. It has appellate jurisdiction to hear appeals as a court.
• It has a principal bench in New Delhi and four other benches in Chennai, Bhopal, Pune and Kolkata.
• NGT is mandated dispose of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of the filing of the same.
• NGT is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall be guided by principles of natural justice.

Q1) What is an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ)?

An eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) is an area that is identified and demarcated around protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves, to minimize the impact of developmental activities on the ecosystem.

Source: Delay in ESZ tag for Shettihalli sanctuary: Green Tribunal sets 6-month deadline