Political pressure and public debate
In the run-up to the 2019 and 2024 general elections, the removal of the night travel ban at Bandipur National Park became a key issue, particularly in Kerala. Prominent figures such as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Vadra, who was the Wayanad constituency candidate, pledged to lobby with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to lift the ban. Despite Priyanka Vadra’s successful election to Parliament, the ban remains in place.
Recently, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reignited the debate, promising a review of the ban. However, Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has clarified that the state is unlikely to lift the ban entirely, although there may be some relaxation for emergencies, particularly for healthcare.
The significance of Bandipur National Park
Located in Karnataka’s Chamarajnagar and Mysore districts, Bandipur National Park is an ecologically sensitive area that plays a critical role in preserving biodiversity. The 912-square-kilometre park is home to Bengal tigers, which have seen a remarkable recovery from just 12 individuals in 1973 to 193 tigers in 2022. The park also hosts Indian leopards, elephants, gaur, and a wide array of other endangered species.
Beyond its rich fauna, Bandipur’s forests are vulnerable to illegal activities such as smuggling, particularly of valuable trees like sandalwood and teak. The park’s dense cover also houses several species of reptiles, birds, and insects, making it a key area for conservation efforts.
Why was the night travel ban imposed?
The night travel ban was instituted after a disturbing number of animal fatalities from vehicle collisions. Between 2004 and 2009, 93 animals were killed due to speeding vehicles along highways NH-181 and NH-766, which pass through the park.
The Karnataka High Court imposed the ban in 2010, which led to a significant reduction in animal deaths. The National Tiger Conservation Authority also backed the ban, citing the need for safer corridors for wildlife. In 2018, the tragic death of an elephant named Rowdy Ranga due to a bus collision further underscored the dangers of night travel.
Kerala’s opposition to the ban
For Kerala, the night travel ban has become a point of contention, particularly for the people of Wayanad, who rely on the road network passing through Bandipur for essential services. Wayanad lacks air, rail, and water connectivity, making NH 766 a lifeline for residents, especially during emergencies like floods or landslides.
The Kerala government has argued that lifting the ban is crucial for the region’s economic well-being and for the timely movement of goods and services.
In response to the ban, Kerala has pointed to its reliance on this road for transportation to and from neighbouring states, including access to healthcare facilities in Chamarajnagar and Mysore.
Exploring alternative solutions
In a bid to resolve the conflict, Kerala MPs recently met with Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss possible solutions, such as an elevated or tunnel road through the park. This proposal is still in its early stages, and it would require extensive collaboration between various stakeholders, including environmental agencies, the state governments, and activists. As the project is designed for an eco-sensitive zone, significant time and resources would be needed to make it a reality.
As the debate continues, it remains unclear whether the Karnataka government will give in to the political pressure exerted by Priyanka Vadra, Rahul Gandhi, and others advocating for the removal of the ban. The Siddaramaiah administration must weigh the urgency of addressing human needs in Kerala and Karnataka against the responsibility of safeguarding endangered species in the region. With wildlife conservation and human interests at stake, this issue will require careful consideration from all sides.
