Mysuru, 5 April
Environmentalists, farmers, Dalits, and various progressive and Kannada organisations, under the banner of the United Conservation Movement, will participate in a rally on Sunday to protest the speculated removal of the night traffic ban passing through Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The protest, dubbed ‘Bandipur Chalo’, will begin at 10.30am from Kaggaladahundi Primary Health Centre on NH766 near Gundlupet town, covering a 2.5 km stretch to the Maddur check post along the Bandipur-Sultan Bathery road.

The rally will culminate in a memorandum submission to S Prabhakaran, the Project Director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve. The protesters are demanding that the government maintain the current ban on vehicle movement between 9pm and 6am.

The night traffic ban has been in effect since 2010 to reduce habitat disturbance and prevent wildlife deaths from accidents. However, persistent pressure from Kerala has led to discussions about lifting the ban, particularly to allow 24x7 vehicle movement, which has sparked widespread concern. The ban only allows specific public transport vehicles and ambulances during the restricted hours.

Bandipur, a critical wildlife habitat home to over 150 tigers, elephants, leopards, and other species, is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere. Environmentalist Nagarjunakumar, also participating in the protest, condemned the state government's move to lift the ban. He stressed the importance of protecting the biosphere from further disturbances and preserving the integrity of this vital ecosystem.