A 34-km-stretch of the river has been declared as otter conservation reserve

Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts have expressed concern over ‘dynamite fishing’ or ‘blast fishing’ in Tungabhadra river, 34-km of which has been declared as otter conservation reserve.

There have been many reports of youths using dynamites to catch fish near Munirabad and downstream of the river in Koppal district, threatening aquatic life. The stretch from Tungabhadra dam to Kampli in the downstream was recently declared otter conservation reserve after wildlife enthusiasts conducted a study and submitted a report about the existence of smooth-coated otters. According to Samad Kottur, a researcher and wildlife conservationist who was part of the study, there are over 90 species of native fish, turtles and crocodiles, among others, in the river.

“I have been getting a lot of information from locals about the use of dynamites to catch fishes in the river. I have already drawn the attention of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and also the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Koppal, requesting them to initiate immediate action,” said Indrajit Ghorpade, Honorary Wildlife Warden, Koppal.

A pair of smooth-coated otters in the Tungabhadra. A 34-km-stretch of the river has been declared as otter conservation reserve. Photo courtesy Samad Kottur & B.M. Siddalingaswamy

“Another matter of concern is that after declaring the stretch as otter conservation reserve, there has been no management plan in place. There is also a need for the Forest Department officials to convene meetings of wildlife activists and other stakeholders and take the people into confidence to prevent illegal activities,” he told The Hindu.

Yashpal Ksheerasagar, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Koppal division, said that vigil along the river bank is being stepped up to prevent illegal activities. “I’m in touch with the DCF, Ballari division, seeking his cooperation in preventing illegal activities. We will be deputing our staff to patrol the areas,” he said. “I have requested the Forest Department to consider issuing licences to fishermen to fish in specified areas and that too, only prescribed species. This will prevent unbridled fishing and also ensure food base for otters and crocodiles,” he said.