Login With Google
Bandipur: Kerala opposes alternative route
Why in news?
- The Kerala government has opposed in the Supreme Court an alternative route proposed by Karnataka to bypass the night-time traffic ban on the National Highway 212 through the Bandipur National Park.
More in news
- Reasons for Opposing the Alternative Route:
(1) The alternative route goes through the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary in Kerala “where wild animals are wandering freely in heavy number
(2) It will take more time for the land acquisition for developing the route.
(3) Further, clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is mandatory.
(4) Mudumalai, Bandipur Tiger Reserves and Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary make one contiguous tiger territory and tigers move freely within this area. It is illogical and inappropriate to impose enhanced level of restriction only in one part of this tiger territory to protect tigers.
- NH 212 connects not only major cities like Bengaluru and Cochin but also smaller ones like Vythiri, Chundel, Kalpetta, Muttil, Meenangadi, Sulthan Bathery, Gundelpett, Begur and Nanjangud towns. It is a vital economic link and the easiest route between the two States, Kerala and Karnataka.
- For uniform curbs Across Country Needed
(1) If at all any restrictions of vehicular movement is to be done in wildlife areas, it should be done uniformly across the country under the relevant laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act and not under the Motor Vehicles Act.
(2) Otherwise it amounts to colourable exercise of power.
(3) There is no provision under the MV Act to protect wildlife.
Sources
The Hindu