The Minister for Forests, Wildlife, and Environment, Eshwara Khandre, has made a commitment to revive the small deer zoo,near Sogal Someshwara temple in Belagavi district. Alternatively, he will explore the possibility of making a bird sanctuary in the same location.
The minister held consultations with a delegation led by Bailahongal MLA Mahantesh Shivananda Koujalagi at his office in Bangalore. It has been reported that the deer forest is being closed down in accordance with the order of the Central Zoo Authority.
Minister Khandre expressed his concern for rehabilitating the deer forest or establishing a bird sanctuary in its place, with the aim of attracting more tourists to the area.
In order to familiarize visitors with various bird species, the minister instructed officials to submit a proposal for the construction of an aviary at the site.
Several key individuals were involved in the discussions, including Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Head of Forest Force) Rajiv Ranjan, Deputy Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Principal Secretary (Forest) Sanjay S. Bijjoor, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Kumar Pushkar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Principal Secretaries (Environment) Vijaya Mohan Raj, and Belgaum Chief Conservator of Forests Manjunath R. Chavan.