MYSURU:The Forest Department has decided to ban the entry of private vehicles to Himavad Gopalswamy Betta, which is a part of Bandipur National Park, in Chamarajanagar district, from August.
The department has taken the decision alarmed by the increasing number of tourists to the hilltop, leading to disturbance to wildlife.
The narrow road, leading to the hilltop, witnesses frequent traffic congestions as thousands of people visit the hills. On weekends, the crowd doubles. Many people stop their vehicles midway to enjoy the picturesque view of the hill enveloped in thick fog, clicking photos. Some even attempt to venture into the prohibited forest area.
Forest officials said they will also monitor littering of plastic waste.
Five mini buses have been purchased by the department for ferrying devotees and visitors fro and to the temple atop the hill. The buses will be parked at the foothills of Gopalswamy Betta. For pick and drop, a fare of Rs 20 or Rs 25 would be fixed by the government for a 10 km distance.
Entry to the the temple is between 8 am and 4 pm.
All private vehicles will be asked to park in a parking lot which is being constructed on a ten acre land adjacent to check-post gate at Hosahalli Colony. More than 100 vehicles can be parked here.
Project Tiger Director H C Kantharaju said by next month, entry of private vehicles will be banned. Several development works have been planned at the foothills of Gopalswamy and some of these are under way, he added. He said toilets, a reception counter, a canteen,a play house for children and other such facilities will be provided for visitors.