Adilabad: Tensions have escalated between political leaders and forest officials over the closure of the road through the Kawal tiger reserve at night.
Political leaders from the Khanapur Assembly constituency want officials to allow heavy vehicles to transit through the reserve between 9 pm and 6 am, against the closure of the road ordered by S. Shantharam, field director of Kawal tiger reserve
To push for the opening of the road at night, MLA Vedma Bojju, a member of the State Board for Wildlife, along with a team of local leaders plans to meet with forest minister Konda Surekha in Balasamudram, Hanamkonda.
A few days ago, Bojju met had minister Surekha and principal chief conservator of forests R.M. Dobriyal and requested them to allow the heavy vehicles to drive through the reserve. Even when this was on, forest officials restricted even on entry of smaller four-wheelers.
On Sunday, Bojju strongly opposed the Shantharam's decision which he described as unwise. He claimed that he had secured the release of nearly 100 vehicles which were stopped at the Kothaguda checkpost late at night on Saturday.
Bojju asked motorists to call him if 30 to 40 vehicles were stopped at the Thapalpur checkpost at night, and he would ensure that they would be allowed through.
