Online campaign against lifting night ban at Bandipur

Bengaluru: The environment activists in the city are angry with the Union Government's proposal to lift night ban at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and build four elevated corridors. 

An online petition has garnered more than 2000 signatures protesting the Centre's proposed move and the state government approving it.

The activists have maintained that a night ban on vehicular traffic along the national highways (NH-67 and NH-212) has help save wildlife. 

Environment conservationist Vijay Nishanth has announced the launch of a protest. "The studies have revealed that the ban has reduced the wildlife mortalities during night time. When an alternate route was provided to Kerala there is no need to lift night ban," he said. 

Nishanth also questioned the government's obsession with elevated highways.

"This highway will destroy 50,000 trees and will be critical for the wildlife habitat. Why is government hell bent on destroying the wildlife reserves? This was happening at Bannerghatta National Park and now at Bandipur," he pointed out.  

The special committee formed under the orders of Karnataka High Court had given its opinion: "Based on various ecological factors and policies (we) feel that the disturbance on wildlife including elephants would increase if any changes as suggested in night closure are made, which could result in higher impact on all wildlife and their habitat." 

The petition explains that the alternate route is 30 km long and the vehicular traffic has also adjusted to it. The previous chief ministers' of the state had taken a concerted stand to keep the highways closed for traffic during night time.

The current ban is not applicable to emergency vehicles like ambulance and fire engines. Sixteen transport buses are also permitted to pass through the park in the night.