Proposed highway raises concerns over Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Mandya/Mysuru: The proposed Srirangapatna-Kushalnagar highway project has sparked concern among environmentalists, with its alignment touching the eco-sensitive zone of the internationally renowned Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.Though the planned road is nearly 1.5 km away from the sanctuary's bird islands, conservationists fear that increased traffic and associated disturbances could impact the fragile ecosystem. Ranganathittu, situated on the banks of Cauvery, is Karnataka's largest bird sanctuary and a crucial breeding habitat for numerous migratory and resident species. Birds from distant regions, including several countries, flock to the sanctuary's riverine islands for nesting. Species such as painted storks, pelicans, spoonbills, river terns, ibises depend on its calm and undisturbed environment. Wildlife enthusiasts urged authorities to realign the highway to ensure minimal disturbance to breeding birds. They also called for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before construction begins, warning that vehicular noise pollution, coupled with vibration and increased human activity, could disrupt nesting patterns and migratory behaviour. In response, project authorities have proposed constructing soundproof barrier walls and implementing mitigation measures to reduce noise pollution near the sensitive zone. Naturalist M K Sapthagirish described Ranganathittu as one of the most significant breeding grounds for several globally threatened species. "If birds feel threatened, they may stop breeding and abandon the habitat. Ranganathittu will lose its very essence," he cautioned, while emphasising that development should follow a balanced and scientific approach. Deputy conservator of forests (wildlife) Prabhu Gowda clarified that the highway does not pass through the sanctuary, but falls within the restricted zone, making wildlife clearance mandatory. He assured that all state and national wildlife regulations and mitigation measures would be strictly followed before executing the project. The Srirangapatna-Kushalnagar national highway stretch is aimed at smoother travel on the Bengaluru-Mysuru-Madikeri corridor, cutting travel time between Bengaluru and Kushalnagar down by half from its current five hours.