Residents and environmentalists have appealed to the Governor of Karnataka to intervene and protect the Jnanabharathi Biopark. The 660-acre campus, part of the Bangalore University Jnanabharathi campus, is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including over one lakh trees, 1,300 rare species, and numerous bird and butterfly species.
The appeal comes in the wake of proposed development plans that threaten to encroach upon this vital green space. Environmentalists argue that the construction of new facilities within the biopark could lead to irreversible ecological damage, disrupting the habitat of numerous species and compromising the area’s role in groundwater recharge and air purification. In response to these concerns, Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has directed the Karnataka Biodiversity Board to prepare a proposal to declare the Jnanabharathi campus a ‘Biodiversity Heritage Site’.
If granted, this status would impose strict regulations on construction activities, allowing only vertical expansion within existing structures to minimize environmental impact. The community’s call for heritage status is supported by a detailed report highlighting the ecological importance of the area. The report emphasizes the presence of rare plant species endemic to the Western Ghats, such as those found in the Sahyadri Vana, and the critical role the campus plays in maintaining Bengaluru’s green cover. Residents and environmental groups stress that preserving the Jnanabharathi Biopark is not just about protecting a university campus but about safeguarding a vital ecological asset for the city.
They urge the Governor to take immediate action to prevent further degradation of this irreplaceable green space. As Bengaluru continues to grapple with rapid urbanization, the outcome of this appeal could set a precedent for how the city balances development with environmental conservation. The community’s proactive stance underscores the growing recognition of the need to protect urban green spaces for future generations.
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