Mysore/Mysuru, July 16 -- The Karnataka Forest Department has stopped construction of a residential unit on farmland in the Kabini backwaters coming under the Nagarahole Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) after widespread speculation that it could be used for constructing a resort. A notice has been issued to the owner of the farmland on which the construction was being done and authorities said it did not appear to be a dwelling unit for a family.

Mahesh Kumar, Director, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, said yesterday that there was a change of land-use pattern from Agriculture and Horticulture to construction. As per the draft notification of the ESZ, such changes of land-use pattern are not permitted and the owner has been issued a week's time to repl...