Activists Intensify Protests Against Elevated Corridor, Night Traffic In Bandipur Tiger Reserve

Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and environmentalists have stepped up their protests against the proposed elevated corridor that cuts through Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life under the banner of #SaveBandipur came together on Saturday at Maddur Range Check Post, under Bandipur Tiger Reserve to oppose the project.

BCCL

The movement has has been gaining momentum in the past couple of weeks with demonstrations in various parts of the state. More such protests are likely in the coming days as the campaigns #noelevatedhighway and #nighttrafficbeda on social media continue to attract more and more people.

They are protesting against the proposal to construct an elevated highway over the forest and a possible lifting of ban on night traffic on Bandipur highway (NH 212).

According to those behind the campaign, any move to lift the existing travel restrictions will have an adverse impact on the wildlife, including the endangered tiger.

Wildlife Trust India

They cite the recent deaths of wild animals including a tuskar which was hit by speeding bus at night, adding that the deaths had come down significantly after the night traffic ban was put in place.

Vehicular movement ban on the 34.60 km stretch of NH 212 passing through Bandipur National Park between 9 pm to 6 am has been in place since 2009 a Karnataka HC order.

But according to the campaigners the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed to lift the night ban with recommendations to build five elevated corridors of 1 km length each, and installing fence, where there is no elevation, to restrict the entry of animals, to permit vehicular movement inside Bandipur Tiger Reserve throughout the day. If this project gets a green signal from the government, it can be a huge threat to the ecosystem, fragmenting the forest forever.

¡°The Bandipur Tiger Reserve, along with Nagarahole, Mudumalai, Sathyamangala and Wayanad landscape constitutes the single largest population of tigers and is home to the largest Asian elephant population. The reserve is endowed with rich flora and fauna diversity and is recognised as a Mega Biodiversity Area in the country,¡± they said.

Last month, Karnataka PWD minister HD Revanna had said that the state government is considering the proposal to build flyovers at every 2km. ¡°The Kerala government has moved the Supreme Court in this case. We will take a decision keeping this in mind,¡± he said. ¡°Flyover construction work will be taken up in such a way that it will not disturb the ecology or wild animals.¡±