Vijayapura: With the Karnataka State Wildlife Board giving approval to declare the backwaters of Almatti dam as bird sanctuary, the dream of the bird lovers and the ornithologists may come true to have bird sanctuary for hundreds of migratory birds.
According to sources, the Board gave a green signal for the project during the meeting chaired by Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa in Bengaluru.
Though the Board has given its consent, the permission of Krishna Bhagya Jal Nigam Limited (KBJNL) is required as the dam comes under this agency.
The bird lovers and also the officials of the Forest Department believe that if the area is declared protected for the birds and is developed as a sanctuary, it will boost the tourism sector as more tourists will start coming to this place.
The area will find a place in the list of tourist destinations, which will help people to visit the place during the seasons when the migratory birds arrive here.
Almatti dam site spreads over 480 square kilometers and the bird sanctuary will have at least around 125 square kilometer area in the backwaters.
Since a lot of vegetation is found around the backwaters, it provides adequate food for the birds and nestling places also.
During the season, several varieties of migratory birds flock this area where they nestle and lay eggs.
According to forest officials, the birds arrive here from countries such as Russia, Iran, Australia, Sweden, Siberia, Central Asia and Gujarat in India. The birds include River Tern, Bar headed goose, Oriental darter, Brahminy Duck, Wood sand piper etc.
Because the backwaters also have several small islands, they provide a perfect and safe place from predators for the birds to hatch their eggs.
The officials of KBJNL said that they have already submitted the proposal to their Managing Director for consideration and granting funds.
If the Government gives permission for the project then the works would start soon, says the officials of the Forest Department.
