BANDIPUR
TEMPLE JATHRA: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS:
Curbs imposed on temple jathra in Bandipur
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
The annual jathra at Beladakuppe Sri Mahadeshwaraswamy
Temple in Bandipur Tiger Reserve faces restrictions, including a ban on private
vehicles and enhanced security, to minimize wildlife habitat disturbance.
Conservationists advocate relocating the temple, as recommended by the NTCA, to
protect the reserve’s biodiversity.
Measures
Imposed by the Forest Department:
Transportation:
- Private
vehicles are prohibited from entering the tiger reserve, continuing a
pre-existing policy.
- Devotees will
be ferried by KSRTC buses from forest peripheries to the temple and back.
Security Arrangements:
- Deployment of
Forest Department personnel and security staff to ensure strict compliance
with forest laws and regulations.
Concerns
of Conservationists:
Disturbances to Wildlife:
- The movement
of tens of thousands of people through the core area disrupts animal
habitats.
- Previously,
activities like setting up temporary kiosks, stalls, using loudspeakers,
and bright lighting were major sources of disturbance. Most of these
activities have now been banned.
Impact on Ecosystem:
- Wildlife
experiences stress and habitat fragmentation due to large-scale human
intrusion.
Relocation Proposal:
- The National
Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has suggested relocating the
temple to mitigate ecological disturbances.
- Political
resistance has stalled the implementation of this proposal.
About
Bandipur Tiger Reserve:
General Information:
- Location: Situated in Chamarajnagar
district, Karnataka, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Area Covered: Spans 868.63
km².
- Establishment: Declared a
tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973 and included in
the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 1986.
Connectivity:
- Adjacent to Nagarahole
National Park (Karnataka), Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
(Kerala), and Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu),
forming an extensive and contiguous protected landscape.
Flora
and Fauna:
Wildlife:
Flagship Species: Bengal Tigers
,Indian Elephants,Leopards
Other Fauna: Gaurs,Chitals,,Sloth
Bears,,Rich avian diversity.
Vegetation: Dominated by dry deciduous forests,
moist deciduous forests, and shrublands, supporting
significant biodiversity.