Bengaluru: Amid judicial scrutiny of the development of the scenic Roerich–Devika Rani Estate, off Kanakapura Road in south Bengaluru, tourism department has stepped up efforts to fast-track works permitted by high court.The department’s efforts have left conservationists worried about the possible impact of tourism-related interventions on the sensitive landscape, which is part of a deemed forest and located adjacent to an elephant corridor.Reviewing the eco-tourism project’s progress at the estate, tourism minister KJ George inspected the site along with officials from tourism and forest departments, and Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR). The minister directed officials to ensure the property’s ecological, cultural and artistic character is preserved, complete permitted works within the stipulated timeline, while ensuring visitor amenities are created without compromising the estate’s natural landscape.Stating that the eco-tourism project is based on a balanced model, tourism secretary Ram Prasath Manohar said, “The department is creating a balanced model where conservation remains central to the project, while essential visitor facilities are developed sensitively, keeping in mind the ecological importance of the landscape. Subsequent works, other than those approved by the court, will be taken up in consultation with the departments concerned.”Conservationists who have been pursuing the matter before high court have argued that govt has violated provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, by not obtaining prior permission or clearance to undertake work, as the landscape is part of a deemed forest. However, forest officials clarified that such clearance is mandatory only for non-forestry activities and that the eco-tourism project constitutes forestry activity.“Even though the landscape is deemed forest, ownership rests with the estate owners (govt). Tourism department is free to take up any forestry-related work on the property. Only if the department wants to take up development works outside the estate premises will it need to obtain clearance. As of now, the department has not violated any norms,” explained an official who was part of the inspection.
