Bengaluru: With the Karnataka government putting its foot down and stating that it will not lift the ban on night traffic in the core tiger habitat of Bandipur National Park, a high-level delegation is likely to call upon Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa to discuss the issue.
As per sources, an all-party delegation will meet union ministers too in this regard and Kerala Transport Minister A K Saseendran, on Wednesday also directed principal secretaries of the Kerala Forest and Public Works Departments to prepare an affidavit to be submitted at the Supreme Court on the matter.
Kerala has been wanting Karnataka to not fully shut down NH-766, which passes through Bandipur tiger reserve connecting Wayanad and Mysuru. Kerala has asked for allowing a limited number of transport bus services to both sides during the night.
Further, Kerala has also opposed developing an alternative route through NH 275 and SH 90 (via Kutta – Gonikuppa) citing that it would also require massive deforestation and land acquisition. Meanwhile, there were allegations that a strong lobby from Kerala was pushing for the alternative route as it would provide better connectivity to the one-year-old Kannur International Airport, reports DHNS.
Protests were staged in Wayanad in September and October against the move of Karnataka to fully shut down Bandipur highway. The 12-day stir witnessed the participation of Wayanad MP and Congress top leader Rahul Gandhi.
