BANGALORE: The Forest Department is planning to install CCTVs at all entry and exit points on Gundlupet-Ooty NH-67 and Gundlupet-Wayanad NH 212 which pass through the Bandipur National Park. This move is to strictly enforce the ban on vehicular movement between 9 pm and 6 am.
This is being done in the wake of two forest staffers caught red-handed by the Lokayukta recently while they were collecting money to allow vehicles after 9 pm at a check point on National Highway 67.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Ajay Mishra told Express that Bandipur National Park officials have been asked to identify places to install CCTVs and also a control room to keep an eye on check-posts.
“We will clear the proposal for the installation of CCTVs as soon as we receive it from Bandipur officials,” he said.
Admitting that supply of power is a major problem in the area, Mishra said officials will also explore the possibilities of operating the CCTVs on batteries.
Otherwise, Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company (CESCOM) officials will be requested to provide power connections to all the check-posts, he said.
He said a departmental inquiry has been ordered against the two forest personnel for allegedly collecting money to allow vehicles. Stern action will be initiated against the duo after the inquiry, he said.
Already, instructions have been given to Forest Vigilance Squad and DCF to conduct surprise checks to ensure that no vehicle (except for an ambulance or a police van) are allowed to pass through the park after 9 pm, Mishra added.