Chikkamagaluru: Shola forest range, birth place for many rivers in the district is regaining past glory due to above average rainfall in the area. The forest regeneration and expansion is restricted by climatic conditions being a tropical forest. Deficient rainfall in the past turned the evergreen forests covering an area of 3600 hectares arid.

The famous Chandrdrona hills, parts of Western Ghats, Kudremukh and Muthodi forest reserve including the Datta Peeta fall under the shola forest range.

This year’s excess rainfall resulted in major rivers Bhadra, Tunga and Yagachi overflowing, in addition to lakes filling to the brim. The increase in ground water levels has given a new lease of life to the entire flora and fauna in the area. The forest department too has taken lot of measures to preserve the sensitive forests in order to maintain ecological balance. The prevailing condition helps the soil to retain moisture for long due to which water scarcity during summer as well as frequent forest fires may be in the thing of the past till the next monsoon arrives.

The wild and the aquatic life has suddenly become active recreating the past glory. Tourists can add Shola range to their itinerary as there are many good reasons to cheer than complain.