Statue Flag can destroy natural habitat of birds on the Island in Fort lake
Over 40 species of birds at Belagavi Fort lake; Yes it is true. The small island and the lake itself attracts about 40 species of birds all the year round. But now this natural habitat of the birds on the island in the middle of the lake is endangered with the plan of setting up a Buddha Statue and a huge National Flag on the island.
Indian Spot Billed Duck, Pond Heron, Little Egret, White Throated King Fisher, Red Wattled Lapwing, Black Winged Stilt, Grey Heron, Eagle’s, Bulbuls, Wagtails and many other species were sighted at the lake.
The govt and the district administration has planned to spend over 2 crores to set up a statute and a very big national flag, and this beyond doubt will destroy the natural habitat of the birds.
The installation of Buddha statue and national flag is approved by a special committee under the 100 crore special fund. The State Government is yet to give its nod for the same and once the permission is sought work can commence. One more hurdle is the birds nesting here are not on records of the Govt as any mini sanctuary or something like that, hence getting permission for the same wont be too ambitious.