Historic Rajhunsgad turns natural habitat for the feathered beauty Peacocks

Pictures and report by Vilas Dhamanekar

Belagavi: Here is good news for the environmentalists. The number of peacocks is increasing at this historic place in the Belagavi district of Karnataka state. These colorful peacocks at this place have turned into a delight for bird watchers, environmentalists, and wildlife photographers.

I am talking about Rajhunsgad fort a historic fort that is situated at a distance of ten kilometers from the heart of the city Belagavi. It is a fort built in the era of Maratha king Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is situated at an altitude of 500 meters. The fort is surrounded by lush green grassland and thin forest cover.

Decades ago, several wild animals such as wild bison, wild boar, deer, civet cats, peacocks, Sambars, and rare reptiles were commonly seen in these areas. But the urbanization has affected the rich flora and fauna in this area year after year. However, now things have started changing. Once, the historic land has gained heritage importance by the government. The Rajhunsgad fort was restored and basic amenities were provided there making it a tourists spot.

At the same time because of the various factors such as an increase in good vegetation surrounding the fort areas, conservation efforts by the local farmers and residents, creating a safer zone has resulted in an increase in the number of peacocks in the Rajhunsgad area. The Farmers in Yellur, Sulaga, Yarmal, Rajhunsgad, Nandialli, Gunji villages never harm or disturb the peacocks when they enter their farmlands and consume the crops. They even do not spray the pesticides on the crops to prevent poisoning to these feathered beauties. This has ultimately helping to make this region a habitat for the peacocks.

The noise of peacocks in the evenings makes the villagers happier while their sigh in day time makes people feel surprized. Some locals are also opined that a peacock park can be developed in the Rajhunsgad area to attract tourists. Some residents of here demand to put an awareness board cautioning the people coming here to not harm or disturb the national bird peacock.