CHAMARAJANAGAR: A proposal is being readied by Bandipur National Park officials to bring one of its ranges-Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary- under the purview of Project Tiger, to give the range better protection and enable personnel to be eligible for allowances meant for a tiger reserve. While 12 ranges of Bandipur are under Project Tiger, Nugu, also a part of the Park, is not covered by Project Tiger.
A Park official explained that Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, spread in about 30 sq kms, was created in 1974 but was transferred to Mysuru Wildlife division and later merged with Bandipur National Park which was the reason why Nugu was excluded from the ambit of Project Tiger.
"Nugu sanctuary is under Bandipur park limits for administrative purposes but is not covered under Project Tiger. Now a proposal is being prepared which will be submitted to the state government through the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Bengaluru," says the officer.
Another official said a stream isolates Nugu sanctuary from the rest of the ranges in Bandipur and the range remained in isolation retaining its wildlife sanctuary status. Sources say RFO Sandeep, in-charge of Nugu sanctuary had re-surveyed the area and maps while present Nugu RFO, Manjunath is busy preparing the proposal for Nugu.
By bringing Nugu under Project Tiger, Park officials say personnel will now get Project Tiger allowances of Rs 1,000 a month. Better protection will be offered to the range by preventing people from venturing into Kabini reservoir backwaters attached to the range.
"People get into the backwaters to wash vehicles. When the water recedes in the reservoir, people come for picnics in the backwaters, causing a nuisance in the wildlife area," he says and adds that once Nugu comes under Project Tiger, entry into the backwaters will be restricted.
Nugu sanctuary has five tigers, elephants, panther, sloth bears and herbivores.
