Karnataka high court notice to state, Centre on plea against tourism project at Roerich estate | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: Karnataka high court on Friday issued notices to the state and Union govts over a PIL plea challenging the approval granted for an eco-tourism and cultural hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Roerich estate near Bengaluru.The plea, filed by RR Nagar Care Trust, argues that the project — cleared through a govt notification dated Dec 24, 2024 — poses a threat to the ecologically sensitive area, which borders the Bannerughatta forest range and falls within an elephant corridor in south Bengaluru.A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi directed the issuance of notice to the Svetoslav Roerich and Devika Rani Estate Board, which oversees the management of the estate.According to the petitioner, the planned infrastructure, including accommodation facilities and a 450-car parking lot, violates the area’s master plan and central guidelines on eco-tourism. The trust contends that any construction in the zone would disturb local wildlife and breach environmental safeguards.The Centre, in its preliminary response, told the court that the project is in compliance with a land-use scheme formulated under the Roerich and Devika Rani Estate (Acquisition and Transfer) Act. The matter will be heard further after responses are filed and the court has posted the next hearing to Sept 24.
