Silvester D’ Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Jan 6: “The introduction of rare birds to the villagers in Kollur sanctuary and Western Ghats by means of the Hakki Habba (bird’s festival) is excellent,” said Byndoor MLA B M Sukumar Shetty.
He was speaking after inaugurating Karnataka Hakki Habba held at Halkal, Kollur by the Karnataka forest department and state environment tourism Development Corporation today, Jan 6.
“The department of forests is protecting forests well. Forest hunting has reduced up to 95% here. It should be ensured that tribal people are not troubled due to laws of the forest department,” he said.
He said that villagers should be informed about protection of forests, wild animals and awareness about the environment. “Several accidents are happening as wild animals cross roads at Kollur. Therefore, dangerous spots should be identified and fencing should be erected there,” he said.
Karnataka environment and tourism development corporation executive committee president M Madan Gopal gave an introduction saying that the Hakki Habba is being held for the ninth time. “There are more than 300 birds including those which are local and migrated here. People will be made aware of them. Birds cannot be protected without the support of communities. Malabar Trogan has been selected as ambassador bird this time. Photographers of the state and the country will take part,” he said.
Jadkal gram panchayat president Vanajakshi S Shetty, Kollur gram panchayat president Shivarama Krishna Bhat, chief conservator of forests and Karnataka environment and tourism development corporation chief executive officer Kumar Pushkar, Bhadra Huli project director Prabhakaran, assistant conservator of forests Udaya Nayak, Dinesh, Sathish Baba Rai, Sripathi, Siddaramappa and others were present.
Karkala wild animal’s division assistant conservator of forests Ganapathi welcomed. A book with the details of Malabar Trogan bird was released. The feast of the birds that will be held till January 8 will include watching local and migrated birds and discussion forums.