BENGALURU: ‘Save Bandipur Campaign’ is now gaining momentum beyond the state’s border as well. On Saturday, people from Wayanad and other parts of Kerala joined the protest at the Maddur range checkpost in Bandipur tiger reserve.
They staged a silent protest against the Centre’s proposal of constructing an elevated road in the protected area which has a huge population of tigers and elephants.
Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi president N Badusha told The New Indian Express that they had joined the movement as Bandipur was an integral part of the Nilgiri biosphere. “We are fighting for a common cause. We are totally against the Centre’s elevated road proposal as it will prove detrimental to the local flora and fauna. We are also concerned over the proposal of a steel wall for 25 kilometres,” Badusha said, adding that only those with vested interests are opposing the night traffic ban.
Meanwhile, environmentalists and wildlife activists have intensified their protests in Mysuru and Chamrajnagara districts. “Traffic-related accidents have killed many animals in this area. Lifting the night ban on traffic will pose a grave danger to wildlife. If caution is not exercised, we will be left with no wildlife in our forests,” said one of the activists.
Recently, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had filed a submission before the Supreme Court on opening of the NH-212 during night time by construction of four elevated corridors of one kilometre length each with humps and road signages. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had further suggested broadening of the highway by 15 metres with two carriageways as well as building of a steel wall.