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Paragliding at Hampi a likely threat to biodiversity

Last Updated 26 November 2015, 19:35 IST

Questions are emerging about the effect of the newly ntroduced paragliding activity on the biodiversity of Hampi.

The scheme was introduced for tourists by the Meghalaya Paragliding Association in collaboration with the district administration and Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority. Now, it is feared that the animals and birds of the region may be affected by the sport.

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 Rs 3,500 for a 15-minute flight.

The 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. Complaints have also been received from tourists staying at Mayura Bhuvaneshwari, Jungle Resort and other private hotels alleging disturbance by the sound made by the paragliders.

Manjunath Gowda, Manager of the association, said, “Paragliding is not causing any harm to the biodiversity of the region. The sound and smoke emitted by the paragliders is very little. We will ensure that the animals and birds are not disturbed.”

Home to varied fauna

Of late, tourists do not just visit Hampi for sight-seeing. The biodiversity of the region is also a major attraction to them. Hampi is slowly gaining popularity for ‘upbeat tourism.’

The Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary in the reserve forest area 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 species like the Yellow Throated Bulbul and Painted Spurfowl, which are on the verge of extinction, to breed. 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.’

M Pavan Kumar, Commissioner, Hampi World Heritage Area Management Authority: The problems caused by paragliders have not come to my attention. We will inquire into the issue and ensure that the biodiversity of the region is not harmed.


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(Published 26 November 2015, 19:35 IST)

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