Karnataka HC Issues Notice on Plea Against Turning Roerich Estate Into Tourism Hub

fast Summary

• The Karnataka High Court has issued notices too the Central and State governments regarding a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) on the Roerich and Devika Rani Roerich Estate project in Bengaluru.
• The project aims to develop the estate as a tourism hub under the central GovernmentS Special Assistance Scheme for developing iconic tourist centers.
• The petition was filed by R.R. Nagar I Care Trust, Bengaluru, questioning the December 2024 approval of the project by the State government.
• Concerns were raised that this progress contradicts provisions outlined in the Roerich and Devika Rani Roerich Estate (Acquisition and Transfer) Act, 1996.
• the petitioner requested quashing of approval for tourism-related development,scientific profiling of environmental factors,and proposals to declare parts of this estate as either a biodiversity heritage site or conservation reserve.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The issue highlights an important conflict between lasting conservation efforts versus developmental initiatives aimed at boosting tourism. While transforming historically significant locations into tourism hubs can enhance public engagement with cultural heritage and drive economic benefits, any potential violation of existing legislative frameworks-such as those protecting ecological integrity-raises serious concerns. Scientific profiling sought by petitioners signals an attempt at aligning development with ecological preservation. as this case progresses through judicial review, it may set critical precedents for balancing legislative adherence with developmental policies involving protected sites.

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