Act against illegal resorts and homestays in tiger reserves: Ramalinga Reddy

A homestay in Kodagu near Talacauvery.According to the Tourism Department, there are around 4,000 registered homestays in Karnataka.

Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed forest officials to take immediate action against all illegally established resorts and homestays in the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) and buffer zone of various tiger reserves and protected areas.

Mr. Reddy, who chaired a meeting of the Standing Committee of the State Board for Wildlife, sought details on the number of resorts, homestays and other commercial activities in the ESZ and buffer zone after the ESZ was notified for various tiger reserves and protected areas.

Silent zones

He also directed that there should be minimal disturbance in ESZ areas and that they should be declared as silent zones.