The Karnataka State government has decided to send a proposal to UNESCO seeking a World Biodiversity Heritage Site status for the Western Ghats forests in Kodagu district. The proposed site includes the reserve forests between Brahmagiri, Talacauvery and Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuaries, which would be merged and declared a National Park. The proposal will go a long way in conserving the major catchment area of the Cauvery river basin, where the water inflow is depleting due to exploitation of forests.