Bengaluru/Kalaburagi, April 2026: In a major environmental initiative, Karnataka is set to transform the arid and heat-prone Chittapur region into a wildlife conservation reserve, creating a green haven in one of the state’s hottest region.
New Wildlife Reserve in One of Karnataka’s Hottest Regions
Chittapur, located in Kalaburagi district, is known for extreme summer temperatures ranging between 43°C and 45°C. Despite these harsh conditions, nearly 3,000 acres of land in Allur B village will be designated as a conservation reserve.
This will become Karnataka’s 16th wildlife conservation reserve, marking a significant expansion of protected areas in the state.
Turning Barren Land into Biodiversity Hub
The project aims to convert dry and underutilised land into a thriving ecosystem for wildlife, promoting:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Habitat restoration
- Environmental sustainability
The move is particularly significant as it seeks to create a green ecological zone in a drought-prone landscape.
Focus on Leopard Conservation
The proposed reserve is expected to play a key role in protecting leopards and other wildlife species, with earlier proposals highlighting the region’s ecological importance for big cats.
Officials believe the initiative will help strengthen conservation efforts in northern Karnataka.
Boost to Climate Resilience and Ecology
Experts say the project will:
- Improve green cover in a heat-stressed region
- Help mitigate effects of extreme temperatures
- Support long-term ecological balance
It also reflects a broader push by the state to integrate climate resilience with conservation planning.
A Contrasting Transformation
The development stands out as a striking contrast—turning a “scorching” landscape into a protected green zone, reinforcing Karnataka’s commitment to environmental protection.
