On October 7, 2024, the State Board for Wildlife of Karnataka made a historic decision to protect over 5,000 acres of land, a sprawling expanse of green and blue just north of Bengaluru. We remember the excitement that spread when we learned that this area, now known as the Greater Hesaraghatta Grassland Conservation Reserve (GHGCR), had officially been declared a protected space. It was no small feat. The GHGCR, with its 5,678 acres and 32 guntas (2298.18 ha.), was officially notified on February 24, 2025. In that moment, we felt a deep sense of relief, knowing that this vital land would be safeguarded for generations to come. This decision wasn’t just about protecting a piece of nature – it was about sustaining biodiversity, ensuring water security, and providing a range of ecosystem services to the rapidly growing city of Bengaluru.