Mysuru: To ensure the safety of tourists who go on boat trips to see the migratory birds at the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, the Forest Department has fixed iron mesh around the boats. The mesh has been fixed around four boats and gradually, all the boats will have this safety feature. 

Generally tourists on boats touch the water for that unique feeling of water passing through fingers as the boats propel. This move, however, is dangerous as there are over 125 marsh crocodiles inhabiting the sanctuary and they will be waiting for a prey. “To prevent this and to prevent young children falling off the boats, we have installed the mesh,” said Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF Wildlife) Alexander. 

The mesh has been installed on four boats on an experimental basis based on the directives from Mysuru Circle Chief Conservator of Forests T. Hiralal. Gradually the facility will be extended to all boats. We have got good response from tourists to these boats and they wait in a queue to board such safe boats,” he added.