Karnala Bird Sanctuary, located in Panvel Taluka, is being given a tourism-oriented makeover by the forest department’s wildlife division.
An INR 15 crore makeover is being undertaken within the next five years, which will include three additional entrances, five nature trails, an orientation center, a nature information center, and facilities for tourists to stay. Local villagers are expected to gain jobs as a result of the renovation plan. Karnala Bird Sanctuary is spread over an area of 12.11 square kilometers. There is also a Karnala fort within the sanctuary.
Along with wild animals, the sanctuary is home to 176 bird species, including 138 local species and 38 migratory species. About one lakh visitors used to visit the sanctuary before the Covid pandemic hit India. As of now, there is only one exit and entry point from the highway side of Mumbai-Goa.
“The 3 km-long walk to the fort is used primarily by tourists that are unaware of birding spots in the sanctuaries. The Karnala Bird Sanctuary needs to conduct a thorough study for sustainable tourism and conservation without putting pressure on bird habitat,” said ornithologist Nikhil Bhopale.
“Natural resources should be conserved to prevent soil erosion, the tree falls, and fires from recurring,” said Santosh Thakur, a local activist.
To make the KBS more tourist-friendly, three more entries and exits – Taragaon, Apta Koliwada, and Posri – are being planned,” said Nandkishor Kupte, Assistant Conservator of Forest (Wildlife Division). The road map for the renovations has been prepared by an architect based in Mumbai. Concrete work will not be undertaken, and the existing facilities and setups will be improved, as well as new ones being added. The local residents will get jobs, since they’ll be able to manage parking lots, set up stalls, etc.”
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