K'taka says no to lifting night traffic ban in Bandipur tiger reserve

Bengaluru: Questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s stand against the night traffic ban on a national highway passing through Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the state, Karnataka Tourism Minister C T Ravi on Thursday alleged the interests of various mafias was more important for the party than the safety and lives of wild animals.

On September 28, Rahul Gandhi put out two tweets showing solidarity with the youth and people of Kerala on this contentious issue.

He said, “I stand in solidarity with the youth on an indefinite hunger strike since September 25th protesting against the daily 9-hour traffic ban on NH-766 that has caused immense hardship to lakhs of people in Kerala and Karnataka.”

He also added, “I urge the Central and State Governments to safeguard the interests of local communities, while upholding our collective responsibility to protect our environment.”

“Congress MP @RahulGandhi wants the National Highway passing through Bandipur Forest to be opened for vehicular traffic even during the night. It is clear that the interests of various Mafias is more important for @INCIndia than the safety and lives of Wild Animals,” Ravi tweeted.

Later speaking to reporters here, he said, Gandhi was “playing politics” on the issue and referred to a court order in this regard. It was the responsibility of the state government to protect the wild life.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa too on Wednesday had said there is court order not to allow vehicles in the night. I cannot violate the court order.

Rahul Gandhi should know about it.

The movement of traffic through the Tiger Reserve is banned on this stretch from 9 pm to 6 am to reduce disturbance to wildlife.

Gandhi, who represents Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, had recently met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in New Delhi and apprised him of the hardships faced by people of Wayanad due to the night traffic ban.

He has expressed solidarity with people of Wayanad who have been on a protest for the past several days on the issue.

Gandhi is expected to join the protesters on Friday in Wayanad.