A Central Empowered Committee (CEC) member will visit Bannerghatta National Park on January 2, 2026, to address a petition challenging the reduction of its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The petition argues that the ESZ reduction, from 4.5 km to 0.1-1 km, excludes critical areas and elephant corridors, creating unprotected enclaves vulnerable to commercial activities like mining. Activists claim this move legalizes ecological violations and could lead to biodiversity loss and increased human-animal conflict, citing plans for large developments near the park.