Tumakuru's Environment & Heritage Issues

The rich wildlife of Madhugiri Tumkur District's Madhugiri taluk, in south-eastern Karnataka, is of great interest to wildlife lovers. The habitats here range from dry deciduous forests in Madhugiri State Forest to the famous grasslands of Jayamangali Conservation Reserve near Maidanahalli village, which has one of Karnataka's healthiest single population of blackbuck. The hills to the south of and west of Madhugiri town are well-known for their sloth bears. For the past few years, WANC is working to bring these reserve and revenue forests along with those around Channarayana Durga hill, under the umbrella of a Conservation Reserve or Wildlife Sanctuary. View Larger Map We rushed to the spot and it was almost 8.00 PM. We reached a well that was completely dry and without fencing. We saw three sloth bears - one adult female and two baby bears. The animals looked a little dehydrated and tired. It is peak summer in this part of the world and ...

The small bullock cart path from Giregowdanahalli - ID Halli cross that passes through Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve has been expanded violating the Forest Conservation Act (1980) and the Honourable Supreme Court of India's 1996 judgement in the Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India case. ( The above picture was taken just outside the boundaries of the reserve, pictures from inside the reserve can be seen below ). View Larger Map The Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve near Maidenahalli has been severely affected by a road construction, as has been happening in Devarayanadurga. During our last conversation, the DCF of Tumkur had assured WANC member Ameen Ahmed that no permission was sought to build this road and that he would instruct the RFO to stop this. Unfortunately the destruction at Maidenahalli is a sad indication of the way things have been working in Tumkur Division of Karnataka Forest Department now. A new course has bee...