GPS-tagged vulture near naval base triggers security concerns

Karwar: A GPS-tagged vulture near Karwar Kali River valley triggered security concerns as it was spotted just 5km away from INS Kadamba naval base on Sunday. However, investigations revealed that the Maharashtra forest department had fitted the tracking device for research purposes.The sighting of the GPS-tagged vulture in Hanakon village in very close proximity to the sensitive military installations and a nuclear power plant prompted immediate action from authorities. Local residents photographed the bird, drawing the attention of forest officials who unsuccessfully attempted to capture it. This followed a joint investigation by police, forest department and central intelligence agencies.Further examination revealed that the GPS device was installed by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a recognised conservation organisation. The tag contained details linking to the Maharashtra forest department's web portal, confirming its legitimate research purpose. The vulture had been released from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and BNHS records showed similar GPS-tagged vultures had previously visited the Karwar region.The local forest officials contacted their counterparts in Maharashtra and the latter informed that the GPS tracking device was fitted on the vulture to study its areas of movement. They said the vulture, which was released on Nov 1, was grown in a cage and that it was not used to searching for food on its own. As requested by the Maharashtra forest officials, the local officials fed the vulture chicken. Villagers said they had spotted it on Saturday and tried to feed it fish, but the bird did not consume it. This incident highlights the complexities of maintaining security in areas where military installations border natural habitats.It also demonstrated the need to balance environmental research with security requirements, particularly in regions housing both military facilities and wildlife habitats.
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