Date:14/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/14/stories/2008081456320200.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

Birds in Ranganathittu under threat

Staff Correspondent

The rising Cauvery is threatening to displace them

— PHOTO: M.A.SRIRAM

Flooded: The overflowing Cauvery has partially submerged trees on which birds roost at Ranganatittu Bird Sanctuary, following heavy discharge of water from Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir near Mysore.

MYSORE: The rising water levels of Cauvery river following heavy discharge of water from the Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir near Mysore is threatening to displace birds at the famous Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.

The swollen Cauvery has partially submerged trees on which the birds roost. The river is flowing three to four feet above the danger mark, thus flooding the boating area at the sanctuary.

There is every possibility of the sanctuary being completely flooded as the inflow into the dam is likely to rise by Wednesday night with the release of excess water from Hemavathy reservoir in Hassan district. Authorities in the Forest Department said the swollen river has not washed away birds’ nests.