Opening of traffic post-9 pm in Bandipur forest reserve has turned out to be an election topic now (currently no vehicles can cross Bandipur forest reserve-which is a tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala between 9 pm and 6 am). While those in Karnataka want the ban to continue, the Kerala government has been trying endlessly to lift the ban.
In fact, AICC President Rahul Gandhi who is contesting from Waynad constituency this time, has said that if he wins, he shall work towards lifting the ban. However, Mr Gandhi’s statements have been vociferously criticized by the environmentalists.
In an exclusive interview with eNarada (watch the video above), noted environmentalist and film maker Suresh Heblikar said, “The ban on night movement of vehicles through Bandipur shouldn’t be lifted at any cost. Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has already reiterated it. However, we need to keep this in mind that the animals which inhabit Bandipur need free movement at least in the night. Let me make it clear the ban is applicable only in the night so why can’t people wait in the night and respect the animals.”
