BELLARY: The State government is likely to issue a notification declaring the 34-km Tungabhadra riverbed a conservation reserve for the conservation of aquatic wildlife, especially endangered smooth-coated otters.
After the proposal to turn the riverbed into a reserve received initial approval from the state wildlife board in July, the Forest Department in Bellary has prepared a draft notification to seek final approval.
The notification will be sent to the state government, who will in turn issue a gazette notification declaring the stretch from Hole Madlapura village in Koppal to Kampli of Bellary the ‘Tungabhadra Otter Conservation Reserve.’
Besides smooth-coated otters, various other aquatic species such as mahseer, freshwater crocodiles, giant soft-shelled turtles and smooth-clawed otters are found in the river.
Explaining the need to turn the riverbed into a reserve, the draft notification stated that otters need to be protected from poachers who kill them for their fur, which is used to make jackets.
It also said that sand extraction on the riverbank poses a threat to turtles and crocodiles which lay their eggs there.
Deputy Conservator of Forests in Bellary, Manikantan, told Express that turning this stretch into a reserve would help in better conservation of aquatic wildlife, besides creating awareness about these creatures.
A wildlife enthusiast told Express that the reserve could help in putting a stop to the killing of soft-shelled turtles. Due to lack of monitoring, people have been exploiting this rare species by selling them in local markets, he said.
