TS, AP remove blocks for wildlife to cross in peace
No more human disturbance at stretches of river Krishna
There is good news for tigers and other wild animals crossing River Krishna between Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) in Telangana and Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) in Andhra Pradesh, two of India’s largest protected areas for tigers.
The wild animals are now able to cross over in peace, thanks to a joint effort by the two Telugu states in removing human disturbance over some stretches of the river designated as wildlife crossing areas.
Krishna River forms a natural boundary between the two tiger reserves that in united Andhra Pradesh came under Rajiv Gandhi Tiger Reserve. When Telangana was formed, part of forests on Nallamala hill ranges in Telangana became Amrabad Tiger Reserve, while the Nallamala forests in Andhra Pradesh became the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
Every year, hundreds of fishermen, encouraged by fishing contractors, set up
temporary settlements during summer months along the river, both upstream and downstream of Srisailam dam. Their presence have become a deterrent for wild animals in crossing the river from one side to the other and return to their familiar territories.
“This year, we decided to reduce human disturbance to wildlife along identified stretches of Krishna River to ensure that the animals have undisturbed riverine corridors,” Amrabad Tiger Reserve field director B. Srinivas told Deccan Chronicle. As part of this effort, tiger reserves’ officials and staff have launched a campaign to inform fishermen to keep away from some stretches of
the river that are known crossings. The efforts have started paying off.
Cooperation between officials of both tiger reserves was essential as fishermen asked not to make their camps in some stretches along the river would move on to the neighbouring state.
“So, we began working with officials and staff from NSTR to keep these stretches of the river also clear of human disturbances,” Srinivas said.
He underlined that they are not asking fishermen to totally stop fishing. The fishermen have to keep away only from the river stretch between Pogilla to the check dam, which is about a couple of kilometres from Srisailam Dam. This is where wildlife is crossing over from one reserve to another.
Another stretch where fishing is not allowed is between Akkama Caves and Bollaram village on Telangana side, and Chendutippa on Andhra Pradesh side.
“We are receiving good cooperation from the fishermen, as we have ensured that their livelihoods are not affected. At the same time, we have been able to provide safe corridors on the river for wild animals,” the Amrabad reserve field director stated.
These riverine corridors on Krishna have been identified keeping in view the depth of the water, where wild animals, whether tigers, deer, or others can safely cross.
While tigers are expert swimmers, other wild animals are not. Others require shallow stretches over which they can safely wade through.
Camera trap images have confirmed movement of tigers on both sides of the river, confirming the importance of these riverine corridors, Srinivas added.