Going batty: Nipah scare empties Bugle Rock Park

Ironically that is now scaring away visitors because this rich canopy of trees is inhabited by bats.

Update: 2019-06-13 20:45 GMT
As the deadly disease spreads through bats and the park is home to hundreds of these winged mammals, people are staying away.

BENGALURU: The lush green Bugle Rock Park at Basavanagudi, which used to attract a large number of early morning joggers and walkers, now wears a deserted look, thanks to Nipah virus scare.

As the deadly disease spreads through bats and the park is home to hundreds of these winged mammals, people are staying away.

Following the detection of Nipah cases in Kerala, the state health department has issued an advisory regarding various precautions to be taken. It included staying away from bat habitat and avoid consuming fruits that are partly bitten or eaten by birds.

The residents of Basavanagudi and surrounding areas are either skipping their morning fitness regime or have changed the venue.

The Bugle Rock Park used to be a major draw because the walking path was designed in such a way that one can enjoy the tree shade all through.

Ironically that is now scaring away visitors because this rich canopy of trees is inhabited by bats. The fruit bearing and ficus trees are a major attraction for these mammals.

M. Manoranjan, a resident of Basavanagudi and a regular visitor said the number of visitors to park has come down drastically.

Now, walkers prefer to walk on the road along the periphery of the park or are making use of gyms for cardiac exercises.

Another regular walker claimed that even the droppings of bats can spread the virus. Hence, why one risk should own life, he observed.

He felt it was better to walk or jog at different place until the contagion subsides. Nipah threat has also impacted the sales of mangoes, he added.

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