Paragliders glide into a ‘hostile’ eco-zone in Hampi

Ballari: Ecologists and wildlife activists are opposing the introduction paragliding sport at the UNESCO world heritage site-Hampi as they fear that rare species of birds and animals in the region may get affected.

Apart from boasting of the world-famed monuments of the 15th century Vijayanagar empire, Daroji sloth bear sanctuary, river otter’s sanctuary in the backwaters of river Tungabhadra and serene hillocks in Anegundi are the other important attractions for tourists who visit Hampi for sight-seeing. This cluster of tourist destinations in and around Hampi has turned the world heritage site into a popular wildlife and upbeat tourism destination.

Now, ecologists and tourists are expressing serious concern about the impact of paragliding activity on the biodiversity of Hampi region. Contrary to the prevailing tourism trend in Hampi, the Ballari district administration and Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority have introduced paragliding in collaboration with the Meghalaya Paragliding Association for tourists last month.

The paragliding facility was thrown open to the public just last month and is open between 6 am and 8 am and 4 pm and 6.30 pm. Tourists are charged '3,500 for a 15-minute flight.

Now, local naturalists and bird-watchers fear that the animals and birds indigenous to the Hampi region may be affected by the sport as they say that paragliders fly at low altitudes along the hilltops and emit sounds greater than 90 decibels, which is said to cause distress to the birds and animals of the region. Besides, the tourists staying at Mayura Bhuvaneshwari, Jungle Resort and other private hotels have complained about disturbance because of the sound made by the paragliders.

However, the authorities of the paragliding association argue that paragliding is not causing any harm to biodiversity and the sound and smoke emitted by the paragliders is very little.

Countering the claims of the paragliding association, naturalists say that Hampi region is home to varied fauna. The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is home to hundreds of sloth bears. Leopards are also known to inhabit the area. The government has declared the banks of the Tungabhadra river a conserved area for River Otters. Hampi is also home to many species of local and migratory birds. It is the ideal place for the Yellow Throated Bulbul and Painted Spurfowl, which are on the verge of extinction.

Mid-Asian species like Rosy Starling, Buntings, Black Redstork and Yellow Wagtail also migrate to this region during the breeding season. It is for this reason that the Bombay Natural History Society and international bird conservation organisations have identified Hampi as an ‘Important Birds Area.’

When contacted the Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority, authorities said that the problems caused by paragliders have not come to its attention and added that the authority will inquire into the issue and ensure that biodiversity is not harmed.