Karnataka's first marine wildlife sanctuary moves closer to reality

Bengaluru: The standing committee of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) on Wednesday cleared a proposal to set up Karnataka's first marine wildlife sanctuary in Apsarakonda of Uttara Kannada district.

As per the proposal, the Apsarakonda-Mugali landscape includes rocky outcrops stretching for 7.5 km from Manki to Kasarakoda in Uttara Kannada district, 835.02 hectare (2063.37 acre) of adjoining forests as well as 5124.302 hectare (12662.42 acre) of Arabian sea will be part of the sanctuary.

Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar B Khandre, who chaired a meeting of the SBWL standing committee, was briefed about the proposal in detail. The minister took note of the fact that it will be the first marine wildlife sanctuary in the state.

'Won't impact livelihood'

Meanwhile, the committee noted that the sanctuary doesn't involve any private lands. Hence, life and livelihood of the people in the area, especially fishermen, will not be affected.

Instead, the committee was told, it will give a boost to the conservation of whales, sharks and dolphins, several species of fish and other marine species.

Sources said the proposal is likely to be placed before the board, in case further discussions were required and then be moved before the cabinet for approval.

Meanwhile, the sub committee also cleared the proposal to supply drinking water projects inside Nagarahole Tiger Reserve to seven villages in Chamarajanagar's Hanur and proposals to supply water, electricity and provide road connectivity to several Adivasi hamlets in the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife division.