Boating at Ranganathittu bird sanctuary suspended

Bengaluru, July 17: Visitors to Ranganathittu bird sanctuary will have to wait for the exciting experience of boating around the islets at the venue to watch the exotic birds from close quarters.

Anticipating the discharge of water from the upstream Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir, authorities at the sanctuary situated on the banks of the Cauvery have suspended boating for an indefinite period. Though visitors are allowed into the bird sanctuary, boating facilities have been temporarily suspended since the last two days.

"Boating will begin only when they stop releasing water. It's not safe to go for boating before the water level in the river recedes. It is common in July and August every year", an official said.

A boat ride through the islets at the bird sanctuary is considered to be a unique experience for the visitors to watch the birds.

However, the anticipated rise in the water level at the bird sanctuary poses a threat to the eggs laid by birds and the young ones. Discharge of water from the reservoir may submerge the areas and even the trees on which the nests are perched.

Entry Banned to Brindavan Garden

The district administration decided to ban entry of public to famous Brindavan Garden in Krishnaraja Sagar, in spite of tourists coming in thousands to witness the spectacular sight of water gushing out of the many crest gates of the Dam that have been opened. The musical fountain has been discontinued until further notice and it will be restored only after the water level recedes.

While there is a complete ban on tourist entry into Brindavan Gardens, visitors are barred from entering via the North Gate of the KRS (from the old entrance to Brindavan Gardens). Visitors are only allowed to view the water discharge by standing along the railings near the water department office.

The water level in the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir rose sharply and approached the danger mark on Monday.

To maintain the water level in the KRS dam below 123 ft-- as against the maximum level of 124.8 ft-- the dam authorities opened the crest gates to let out excess water. As much as 82,000 cusecs of water is being released from the dam into the river Cauvery.