Centre to take call on IIMB campus expansion
Published on: 17 April 2026
BENGALURU: The Union government is set to make a decision regarding the proposal from the Indian Institute of Management-Bengaluru (IIMB) to expand its campus located on Bannerghatta Road. This esteemed institution, which currently occupies 100 acres, has submitted a proposal to the state forest department to expand its campus. However, the land in question is situated within the eco-sensitive zone of the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP).
Regulatory Framework and Approval Process
According to forest conservation regulations and the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, any non-forestry activities on land within national parks and eco-sensitive zones require approval from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). In a recent meeting, the sixth state board for wildlife standing committee, chaired by Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre, recommended the proposal to the NBWL for further consideration.
Details of the Proposal
The IIMB has requested an additional 20,000 square meters of land for its expansion. Forest officials have stated that several conditions have been imposed on this proposal. These include:
- Maintaining the campus as green as possible.
- Minimizing any hindrance to wildlife in the surrounding area.
- Conducting a capacity-building assessment for the department regarding physical upgrades.
Environmental Considerations
It is important to note that the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has previously conducted a study on the eco-sensitive zone of the BNP, suggesting that the area should be revisited. Their recommendation included expanding the eco-sensitive zone to 5 kilometers, which would encompass 1,768.4 square kilometers, a significant increase from the current 1 square kilometer (169 square kilometers).
Conservation Efforts
During the same meeting, it was also decided to designate a forest patch spanning 2,877 acres in Allur-B village, located in the Chittappur taluk of Kalaburgi district, as a conservation reserve. Forest officials explained that this forest patch falls under both Yadgir and Kalaburgi districts and is home to a healthy population of various prey and predator species.
Wildlife in the Area
The region is characterized by dry deciduous forest land, which is currently classified as a notified forest under Section 4 of the Karnataka Forest Act of 1963. Surveys conducted in the area have revealed the presence of several wildlife species, including:
- Leopard
- Jungle cat
- Four-horned antelope
- Spotted deer
- Pangolin
- Jackal
- Boar
- Small Indian civet
Community Engagement
Prior to granting clearance for the expansion project, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) was obtained from the local villagers and the district administrations. This step is crucial in ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
Conclusion
The decision regarding the IIMB campus expansion is significant not only for the institution but also for the surrounding ecosystem and local communities. As the Union government deliberates on this proposal, it will be essential to balance educational growth with environmental conservation and community welfare.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates and may be subject to change as further developments occur.
