People's Need Or Conservation Of Endangered Species? Will Siddaramaiah Yield To Pressure From Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka?

Last Updated:January 07, 2025, 23:55 IST

Bandipur Park is traversed by two highways, NH-181 and NH-766, connecting Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and neighbouring Kerala.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. Image/PTI(File)

Nature and human conflict are taking a dangerous turn worldwide, and India is no exception. When the need for development and ease of living must find a fine balance with nature, politics often intervenes with detrimental consequences. This is evident in the ongoing debate surrounding the night travel ban in Bandipur Park, impacting both wildlife and human populations.

During the 2019 and 2024 general elections, the removal of the Bandipur Park night travel ban became a significant issue in Kerala, generating fear among wildlife conservationists, social workers, and the general public in bordering Karnataka districts. This issue has resurfaced in Karnataka as two powerful cabinet ministers disagree on lifting the ban.

During the previous election campaign, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister, then Wayanad constituency candidate Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, promised to convince Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to lift the ban. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also made similar promises to the people of Wayanad. However, despite Priyanka Gandhi Vadra becoming the MP for Wayanad, the ban remains in place.

Recently, DK Shivakumar reignited the debate, but Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre clarified that the state will not lift the ban entirely but may relax some rules for essential needs, particularly health emergencies.

Why is this Park Important?

Bandipur Park, located in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar and Mysuru districts, is an ecologically sensitive region. It harbours numerous endangered species of flora, fauna, reptiles, birds, and arthropods. This 912-square-kilometre dense forest is also home to Bengal Tigers. According to the 2022 census, the park supports at least 193 tigers. Established in 1973 under Project Tiger, this reserve initially had only 12 tigers but has witnessed a remarkable recovery.

Besides tigers, the forest is rich in biodiversity, including Indian leopards, elephants, gaur, dhole, spotted deer, sambar deer, sloth bears, four-horned antelopes, grey langurs, black panthers, wild boars, golden jackals, chital, grey langurs, Indian giant squirrels, and more. It is also a fragile forest with abundant trees favoured by smugglers, such as teak, sandalwood, rosewood, large bamboo, kadam, gooseberry, and golden shower trees.

Bandipur is a breeding ground for over 200 bird species and home to cobras, pythons, vipers, rat snakes, crocodiles, monitor lizards, chameleons, flying lizards, and over 50 ant species and around 70 beetle species.

Why was Night Travel Banned?

Bandipur Park is traversed by two highways, NH-181 and NH-766, connecting Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and neighbouring Kerala. Records from 2004-09 indicate 93 animal deaths due to speeding vehicles. Following the Karnataka High Court’s night travel ban in 2010, animal fatalities decreased to 34 in the subsequent period.

The Tiger Conservation Authority also recommended the ban. An elephant named Rowdy Ranga was hit by a bus in 2018, Tamil Nadu also agreed to ban vehicle movement from 9 PM to 6 AM in the park.

Furthermore, there are allegations of illegal activities, particularly smuggling, occurring under the cover of night travel within the dense forest.

Why is Kerala Against the Night Travel Ban?

Despite 76 years of independence, Kerala has failed to provide adequate healthcare and job opportunities in many of its regions. People in Wayanad are heavily reliant on Karnataka for essential services. For medical emergencies, they must travel to Chamarajanagar or Mysuru. Many residents of bordering villages and towns commute daily to Karnataka for employment.

According to Kerala’s affidavit to the High Court, NH 766 is a lifeline for Wayanad. This road is crucial for rescue teams during floods, landslides, or other natural disasters, as Wayanad lacks air, rail, or water connectivity. It is also claimed that the Malabar region relies on this road for essential consumer goods.

The road serves as an economic corridor connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad to Bangalore and Mysuru. Kerala has presented numerous other reasons for lifting the ban.

What are the Alternative Solutions?

Recently, Kerala MPs met with Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss the issue. The central government has now requested a detailed project report for a proposed elevated or tunnel road through the dense forest area. As this is an eco-sensitive zone, various departments, courts, and activists must collaborate to realise this project, which will require significant time and patience.

Given that the Kerala government has prioritised human needs over wildlife conservation, it remains to be seen how the Karnataka government will respond. Will Siddaramaiah’s government succumb to the pressure from Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, or will it prioritise the conservation of endangered species?

Karnataka, India

News politics People's Need Or Conservation Of Endangered Species? Will Siddaramaiah Yield To Pressure From Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka?