With mining halted, the jumbos are back in Banerghatta eco-zone

Bengaluru: In a vindication of a campaign taken up by wildlife and environment activists at the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), animal movements have been observed again on the Ragihalli Main Road as the density of traffic has come down since mining licences were suspended by the Mines and Geology Department. 

Rakshith, a wildlife activist and a regular visitor to RK Mission - a school near the quarrying area, said, "After a long time, I observed chital deer, sambar stags and nightjars. It is only because of lesser movement of trucks that used to head to mining areas. The movement of animals had completely stopped earlier due to continuous movement of over 100 trucks."

The villagers who stay near the forest area, who wished not to be identified, told Deccan Chronicle that the gates are partially shut to prevent lorries from entering the area. They also credit the 'Save Bannerghatta Campaign', which relentlessly campaigned against mining in the eco-sensitive zone.

Tree doctor Vijay Nishanth, who was at helm of the campaign, said, "We have always said that the movement of elephants had stopped in the elephant corridor because of mining which earlier saw a lot of movement of wildlife. Recently, an elephant and a calf were seen early in the morning in Ragihalli where the movement of trucks used to disturb the habitat."

He said that his request to the Mines and Geology and Forest departments would be to not allow mining activities in the national park. On June 2, the Mines and Geology Department will submit its reply to the high court in response to a petition filed by mining companies after their licences were suspended.