Mysore/Mysuru: The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary at Srirangapatna, which was temporarily closed from Aug. 6 was reopened to tourists yesterday. 90 tourists visited the bird sanctuary on the first day.

Following heavy discharge of water to Cauvery River from KRS Dam, the bird sanctuary authorities, anticipating flooding of the sanctuary, had ordered temporary closure of the bird sanctuary besides stopping boating and other activities.

Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Alexander said that on Aug. 31, all the boats, gates, railings, life jackets, walking paths, pergolas and seatings in parks and lawns were disinfected following an order to reopen the bird sanctuary on Sept. 1.

DCF Alexander and Range Forest Officer (RFO) Surendra said that there are 21 boats with seating capacities of four persons, eight persons and 12 persons.

While the entry fee and boating fee for an adult (Indian) is Rs. 70 each, children are charged Rs. 35 each for entry and boat ride. Foreigners are charged Rs. 400 each for entry and boating.

For students (1st to 7th standard) on educational tour, each student is charged Rs. 18 each for entry and boat ride and for students from 8th standard to college, each student is charged Rs. 35 for entry and boating. There is a Special Boat facility where eight members could go for boating for 45 minutes at a cost of Rs. 1,500.

Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO) Madegowda and staff are maintaining the bird sanctuary.