Karnataka's Mekedatu Dam Project: SC Dismisses TN Review, Revised DPR at ₹9,000 Cr

Karnataka Parks & BMLTA Amendments Shield Tunnel Road Project; 5% Park Land Use Allowed

The Karnataka government has passed two controversial bills amending the Parks (Preservation) Act and the BMLTA Act, which critics allege are designed to shield the Chief Minister's pet Tunnel Road project from three pending PILs in court. The amendments allow the state to use 5% of protected park land for public infrastructure and grant retrospective approval to projects initiated between 2022-2026, potentially bypassing legal scrutiny.

SC Mandates Minimum 1 km ESZ: Assam Notifies 1 km Buffer for Kaziranga, Defends Against 10 km Default

This news clarifies the legal framework for Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around national parks – a key topic for UPSC Environment and Ecology. The Supreme Court's 2022 order mandating a minimum 1 km ESZ is a landmark judgment. Assam's move to notify 1 km for Kaziranga (UNESCO site) and the debate over the 10 km default highlights the balance between conservation and development, often tested in prelims (MCQ on ESZ minimum distance, SC order year) and mains (environmental governance, buffer zones).

Bombay HC: Private Forest Vesting Under 1975 Act Not Automatic, State Must Follow Procedure

The Bombay High Court ruled that the Maharashtra government cannot automatically declare private lands as 'private forests' under the 1975 Act without following due procedure, overriding the presumption that any forest land vested in the State on August 30, 1975. This judgment, based on Supreme Court precedents, affects hundreds of landholders and clarifies a recurring legal dispute between property rights and forest conservation.

Assam Seeks 1 km Eco-Sensitive Zone for Kaziranga: SC Allows Flexible Buffer Zone

The Assam government's proposal to reduce the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park from the default 10 km to just 1 km has ignited a debate on conservation vs. development. This news is critical for understanding ESZ regulations under the Environment Protection Act, the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling on flexible buffer zones, and the implications for wildlife corridors. Prelims focus: ESZ definition, MoEFCC guidelines, SC orders. Mains angle: environment vs. development trade-off, wildlife conservation policies.

SC Upholds HC: Kodagu Homestay Owner's Arrest Illegal, Rs 5 Lakh Compensation Despite US Embassy Pressure

The Supreme Court has upheld the Karnataka High Court ruling that the arrest of a Kodagu homestay owner in an alleged sexual assault case was illegal, rejecting the state's appeal. The judgment reinforces that arrest is not a 'ritualistic exercise' and that fundamental rights cannot be bartered away under pressure from foreign embassies. It also makes the state liable for Rs 5 lakh compensation.

Karnataka High Court Quashes Housing Board Land Acquisition in Bannerghatta ESZ, Upholds Elephant Corridor Protection

The Karnataka High Court quashed land acquisition for a housing project in the Bannerghatta National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone, ruling that elephant corridors are essential habitat, not mere passages, and cannot be displaced for development. This judgment reinforces the legal protection of wildlife corridors and eco-sensitive zones in land acquisition cases, a crucial topic for environment and governance.

Bombay HC Imposes Total Ban on Street Firecrackers, Orders Noise Pollution Curbs During Festivities

Bombay High Court has imposed a total ban on bursting firecrackers on public streets in Maharashtra and issued 14 directives to curb noise and air pollution during festive processions. The court emphasized the need for dignified celebrations and strict enforcement against violators, rejecting the state's 'all is well' stance.

Bihar, Jharkhand Sign Sone River Water MoU; Marks 4th Inter-State Water Agreement in 2026 under Cooperative Federalism

Bihar and Jharkhand signed an MoU for sharing Sone river water, resolving a long-pending dispute. This is the fourth inter-state water agreement in 2026, highlighting the government's push for cooperative federalism. The agreement will benefit lakhs of farmers in Bihar and Jharkhand districts.