Greater Hesaraghatta Grassland Conservation Reserve

The Government of Karnataka has issued the final notification for the Greater Hesaraghatta Grassland Conservation Reserve.

• Located near Bengaluru, the Hesaraghatta grassland forms a unique ecosystem supporting numerous endangered species of flora and fauna.
• The grassland acts as a significant carbon sink, helping mitigate climate change and counter the effects of urbanisation and concretisation in Bengaluru.
• It is the last remaining grassland habitat in the Bengaluru region, providing essential ecological services and supporting unique biodiversity.
• The notified area under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 includes the Hesaraghatta Lake.
• The surrounding grassland catchment area is a crucial biodiversity reservoir.
• These grasslands serve as an important groundwater recharge zone, aiding the revival of groundwater levels.
• Improved groundwater tables would benefit thousands of farmers in the nearby villages.
• The grassland also functions as a sponge, soaking up monsoon runoff and reducing flood risk.

Source: TH