Gundlupet: Taking cognisance of several complaints by tourists and notices served by the forest department, the local court has ordered the closure of “Nisarga” canteen located in Bandipur Wildlife Reserve.
The canteen established by the owner in 2016 on a lease basis, violated the terms and conditions from the word go by supplying poor quality food and beverages to customers at exorbitant rates.
In addition, poor hygiene, installation of CCTV cameras and generator without obtaining licences had left the forest department red-faced. Accordingly, forest department had served eviction notice to the owner.
The canteen owner moved to the jurisdictional court, challenging the eviction notice.
However, court ruled in favour of the forest department and has asked the owner to vacate the premises by 6 PM on March 31.
The owner used to charge Rs 100 for meals, Rs 50 for snacks and Rs 20 for beverages like tea/coffee. Many tourists visiting the canteen with no other options available in the vicinity used to curse the owner for the poor quality food and beverages served at high prices in the past.
