Troubling the roosting and breeding avian guests at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, scribbling names and other details on trees, and misbehaving with the visitors there may result in your details figuring in police records. Thanks to the intensified around-the-clock vigilance at the bird sanctuary.
The Forest Department, custodian of Ranganathittu along Cauvery near Srirangapatna in the district, has stepped up security measures to ensure the safety of birds and visitors at the sanctuary, which comprises of six mini-islets spread over an area of around 40 acres.
Twelve places near the entrance, around the Information Centre and boating counter have been already brought under Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance. The names and other details of several habitual miscreants who allegedly misbehaved or have attempted to blackmail women have been given to the police. Around-the-clock patrolling has also been introduced at the sanctuary.
Owing to encouragement by senior officials, personnel at Ranganathittu have resorted to enhancing existing safety measures. “We will install surveillance cameras at some more vital locations to monitor activities,” M. Puttamade Gowda, Deputy Range Forest Officer (Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary), told The Hindu.
Support from police
The local police have appreciated the Forest Department’s initiative and extended their support to ensure the safety of birds and visitors.
Incidents of miscreants attempting to misbehave with women and blackmail young couples were reported earlier. Following constant and careful vigilance, the department had identified those miscreants residing in surrounding areas of Palahalli near Srirangapatna, a police officer said.
The names, address and details of vehicles in which the miscreants arrive were collected by the department personnel and handed over to the police. “We have issued strict warnings to these miscreants and offered two home-guards to the sanctuary. We will book FIRs against any persons found disturbing birds, damaging trees or troubling visitors,” a police officer of the Srirangapatna subdivision, told The Hindu.
Informer network
Meanwhile, the department has developed a network of informers in surrounding areas to curb cases of possible poaching and disturbing of birds besides conducting patrolling at night to monitor activities.
Ranganathittu is considered to be a popular spot for migratory birds. Ornithologists have identified over 150 species of birds – both migratory and Indian birds – in and around Ranganathittu, which was declared a bird sanctuary in 1940 following the efforts of noted ornithologist Salim Ali.
The place has been attracting birds from Siberia, Latin America and other countries for centuries to hatch eggs. It is also home to several rare animals such as the Indian grey mongoose, flying fox, common palm civet, Bonnet macaque, monitor lizard and marsh crocodile.