Bandipur Tiger Reserve, a vital sanctuary for wildlife, faces a growing number of threats to its delicate ecosystem. Beyond the obvious pressures from expanding linear projects, bustling highways, rising tourist numbers, and the proliferation of resorts, a less apparent but equally complex challenge is emerging within its borders.
At the heart of this challenge lies the controversial proposal to relocate several sacred shrines located deep within the reserve. While many of these are small, unassuming roadside altars that typically go unnoticed, the very idea of moving them has ignited strong opposition. Conservation activists, whose informal studies have highlighted the issue, recognize that such a move risks provoking the deep-seated sentiments and potential outrage of the local communities who revere these sites.
Among these, a few stand out as particularly significant. The prominent Beldakuppe Mahadeshwara temple in Hediyala and the revered Gopalaswamy temple at Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta are key examples. The Gopalaswamy temple, in particular, is a well-known pilgrimage and tourist destination, albeit with controlled access where only government-approved vehicles are permitted, limiting the immediate impact of private traffic.
The conservationists’ study meticulously documented numerous other sacred sites, including the Tavarekatte Mahadeshwara temple in the Bandipur range, the Kanive Mallappa temple within the Gopalaswamy Betta range, the Marigudi temple in the Maddur range, a significant dargah in the Gundre range, and the Devaramadu Mahadeshwara temple in the Kundakere range, among others. Each of these sites adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing conservation efforts.