Mangaluru: Decline in the number of a sacred fishDevra Meenu‘ (Mahsir or Peruvelu in Tulu) – In the Matsya Tirtha of Sri Shishileshwara Temple, the public is concerned.
Temple in Shishila Beltangadi The taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, about 60 km from here, has a history of about 800 years. It is famous for its natural beauty and large number of sacred fishes. Knowing the importance of the sacred fish, the British government had banned the fishing of two kilometres. Kapila The extension of the river near the temple at Shishila in 1930, which is still followed today. Devotees offer fish as ‘Sev’ in the form of puffed rice, said Matsya Hiraksh Vedike Chairman Jayaram Nellithaya.
He told TOI, “We suddenly noticed that there has been a drastic reduction in the number of fish and it is suspected that the otters which have increased in the area in the recent past were hunting the fish the most. We have brought this matter to the notice of the Forest Department. Many devotees and local people have seen the otters. We have suggested shifting them to another place. The forest department should take necessary measures to prevent otters from entering the area of two kilometres. The safety of the beaver should not be at the cost of Devra Meenu.”
In recent times, otters have been seen especially around Belthangadi. A forest official of Uppinangadi range said that since otters come under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, not much can be done. “Otters exist only when the water is clear. It may not be possible to transfer otters from one area to another, as this could lead to their death. They will feed the fish and go away. It is more like a food chain. We will bring this issue to the notice of senior officials for further guidance.”
Temple in Shishila Beltangadi The taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, about 60 km from here, has a history of about 800 years. It is famous for its natural beauty and large number of sacred fishes. Knowing the importance of the sacred fish, the British government had banned the fishing of two kilometres. Kapila The extension of the river near the temple at Shishila in 1930, which is still followed today. Devotees offer fish as ‘Sev’ in the form of puffed rice, said Matsya Hiraksh Vedike Chairman Jayaram Nellithaya.
He told TOI, “We suddenly noticed that there has been a drastic reduction in the number of fish and it is suspected that the otters which have increased in the area in the recent past were hunting the fish the most. We have brought this matter to the notice of the Forest Department. Many devotees and local people have seen the otters. We have suggested shifting them to another place. The forest department should take necessary measures to prevent otters from entering the area of two kilometres. The safety of the beaver should not be at the cost of Devra Meenu.”
In recent times, otters have been seen especially around Belthangadi. A forest official of Uppinangadi range said that since otters come under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, not much can be done. “Otters exist only when the water is clear. It may not be possible to transfer otters from one area to another, as this could lead to their death. They will feed the fish and go away. It is more like a food chain. We will bring this issue to the notice of senior officials for further guidance.”