A heavy discharge of water from the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam has not only ravaged the popular Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in the taluk, but has also caused huge losses estimated at Rs 40 lakh.
The bird sanctuary was closed for visitors for the past 30 days due to overflowing of the River Cauvery which had inundated the premises.
It was closed for visitors from June 14 to June 31 and boating was suspended.
However, it was opened on August 31, only to be closed again after 10 days, due to heavy rains in Kodagu district.
It was closed from August 9 to 21.
Deputy Range Forest Officer Puttamadegowda said that the bird sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and earns around Rs 70,000 on normal days and more than Rs 1.5 lakh on weekends.
As the sanctuary was closed for visitors and boating was suspended for 30 days, a loss of around Rs 40 lakh has been incurred.
However, with the water level receding, boating has resumed from August 22, he added.
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