I am one of the petitioners who has requested night traffic ban on NH212 and NH 67 with the purpose of ensuring better habitat for wildlife in Bandipur thus ensuring avoidance of man-animal conflict in our area.

Starting from 2004 to 2007, 91 mammals, 56 birds and 75 reptiles were killed due to the heavy traffic on the NH-67 (towards Ooty) and NH-212 (towards Wayanad) that crosses through the core areas of Bandipur tiger reserve . Elephant herds take several hours to cross the road for drinking water from the river across. Many nocturnal animals face threat due to the severe lighting on this road during midnight.  Earlier, the combined number of road kill along the two national highways averaged more than 60 every year.

In year 2010, a ban was imposed and following the ban, the average number of road kills reported is four to six every year. Many nocturnal animals including leopard and mouse deer have benefited from the ban. 

In order to ensure a healthy gene pool and to reduce increasing man animal conflicts in the area, it is important to ensure night traffic ban is continued in the already disintegrated stretch of forests across Bandipur , Nagarhole National Park and Wayanad wildlife sanctuary. These are critical habitats of tiger and highly critical migration paths of elephants.

Hotel lobbies , resorts and traders from Kerala and Ooty are trying to stop the  night traffic ban. Private groups use this route in the night to ship illegal money and trade items under the cover of darkness. 

According to article 48A of the Indian constitution, " Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests and wild life . The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country " .

On 15th April 2015, Kerala CM, Kerala Forest Minister, MLAs from Kerala would be meeting Karnataka CM and other officials to explore lifting of night traffic ban. Supreme Court has made very clear stand that night traffic ban continues and voiced against the possibility of convoy movement of traffic during the night. While there are alternate routes which are being used for the past 5 years, the discussion by the leaders from Kerala is a gimmick which is aimed at supporting the various lobbies that are working towards using the critical corridors for their nefarious activities.

Our plea is to ensure the night traffic ban in Bandipur is not lifted at any cost . Wayanad and Coorg are currently under the grip of man-animal conflicts due to the heavy encroachment of forests by humans for various development needs. Any further disturbance to wildlife movement in this area would further create issues for farmers and tribals living in the vicinity . Night traffic on this route is only helping the traders who need to perform illegal activities, it is not helping ordinary farmers living in this area.  

Regards,

N Badusha, Wayanad Prakruti Samrakshana Samiti