Sanctuary proposal gathers dust

BANGALORE: Ramanagaram is now in a dilemma. Should this proposed district of 'Bangalore South' be a replica of Bangalore or evolve into a wildlife haven?
A March 2007 proposal by the forest department to declare an area of 45 sq km in Ramanagaram as Handigundi Bear Sanctuary remains on paper. But the proposal failed to create a flutter in the corridors of power, though the noise from bustling real estate and quarrying has only grown louder.It's hoped an investment worth Rs 4 crore in tourism will upgrade a sleepy taluk into a 'happening' district. But all the development close to the proposed sanctuary is a cause of concern. Will the government lose out a chance to create a second bear sanctuary in the state after the Doraji sanctuary near Hospet?
Ramgarh of 'Sholay' fame, with its centuries-old rock formations, has many hidden treasures. At least 120 sloth bears have been spotted in the area, according to forest officials.
"The reserved forest has 25-30 panthers, a host of insects, reptiles, and mammals. It's also a habitat for 150 species of birds including yellow-throated bulbul as well as globally endangered birds — the white-backed vulture and long-billed vulture. The dry scrub forest is home to precious tree species and medicinal plants," explained forest officials. However, the need for conservation is grave as the project proposal has itself underlined that 'granite mining, denudation of vegetation and human encroachments are major threats to the survival of rare species'. The cliff ledges are breeding grounds for endangered birds too, they added. Said PCCF (wildlife) I B Srivatsava, "We have sought declaration of the sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (amended 2003). Once a sanctuary, it will be easier for us to protect the area from human interference. However, such proposals initially face resistance from local communities which suspect that it will infringe upon their livelihood rights."
Why do we need a sanctuary?
"It will not only be a conservation effort but makes a good revenue model as it can boost ecotourism in the area," added Srivatsava.
A sanctuary can reduce man-animal conflict too, say experts. "Sloth bears are now venturing into farms and attacking humans. By demarcating the area, we can provide animals food reserves and prevent them from straying and attacking humans," said S G Neginhal, member of Bangalore Environment Trust.