Karnataka stuck to its stance for status quo even as representatives from Kerala pushed for relaxation of norms on the ban on movement of vehicles through Bandipur Tiger Reserve from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The meeting on Tuesday at the Forest Department headquarters saw drama towards the end when Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj barged in and said the proposals of the Kerala government should not be considered.
While a previous meeting of the committee — to look into issues of night ban — had been conducted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in Delhi no February 7, representatives from the Karnataka Forest Department had not been invited. National Tiger Conservation Authority had then objected and convened a preliminary meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday in Aranya Bhavan in the city.
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“We will write to the committee with an objection for not having been invited to the meeting in Delhi, and we will convey our firm stance opposing relaxing of the night ban. The issue is closed as discussed previously in meetings between Kerala and Karnataka Chief Ministers,” said Punati Shridhar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force). On Tuesday, Kerala government representatives, accompanied by consultants of the National Highway Authority of India, pressed for the reopening of the stretch at night, or at the least, the introduction of a convoy system.
However, officials said Karnataka Forest Department and conservationists responded saying an alternative route, barely 30-km longer, through Kodagu had been developed for use at the cost of ₹72 crore. Moreover, representatives from here said if the issue was to be relooked at, they would demand an end to the movement of buses at night, as well as extension of the night ban from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The meeting also witnessed protests outside the Forest Department.
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