“The issue of the Bandipur night traffic ban is extremely sensitive. A unanimous decision will be taken after consulting the Chief Minister and obtaining opinions from legal experts,” said Eshwar B. Khandre, Minister of Forests, Biology, and Environment.
Speaking to journalists in New Delhi on March 28, 2025, Khandre stated, “Currently, this matter is before the Supreme Court. The restriction is in place from 9 PM to 6 AM. Regarding the new case, a suitable decision will be made after discussions with all parties, keeping in mind the relations between the two states.”
Considering the welfare of the environment and wildlife, and following public pressure and subsequent court directives, night traffic has been restricted on the Bandipur forest road. The ban on vehicle movement is enforced from 9 PM to 6 AM. Exceptions are made only for emergency vehicles, such as those transporting patients to hospitals and ambulances.
Given this, why does the Forest Minister feel the need to discuss this sensitive issue again with the Chief Minister and others? Does the night traffic restriction on the forest road affect the relations between the two states? Does this imply that relations are currently strained? Analyzing the statements of Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, does it not seem that the Karnataka government is in a hurry to allow night traffic on the Bandipur forest road, which connects Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu?
Night traffic restrictions have been in place on this forest road since 2009. Since then, the Kerala government has consistently demanded the removal of the ban. Although vehicles can travel to Mysuru and Bengaluru via the Hunsur route, Kerala continues to press unnecessarily. It is noteworthy that the Tamil Nadu government has never exerted such pressure!
Recently, a resident of Wayanad district filed a petition in the Supreme Court requesting relaxation of the night traffic ban. Following this, the Karnataka government decided to withdraw its affidavit supporting the traffic ban. This raises suspicions that Karnataka’s Congress politicians might be yielding to pressure from Wayanad’s politicians, particularly former Lok Sabha member Rahul Gandhi and current Lok Sabha member Priyanka Gandhi, doesn’t it?
What Could Happen if Karnataka Allows Night Traffic on the Bandipur Forest Road?
The Bandipur forest road, part of National Highway 766 (NH-766) and NH-67, passes through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka, a critical habitat within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Due to high animal mortality caused by vehicular traffic, the Karnataka government, following a Karnataka High Court order, imposed a night traffic ban from 9 PM to 6 AM since 2009 to protect wildlife.
During night time, from 7 PM to 6 AM, animals such as tigers, elephants, leopards, civets, and hares are highly active. Vehicles moving at high speeds at night would likely increase wildlife deaths. Pre-ban statistics (2004-2007) show that 215 animals died over three years, averaging about 72 wildlife deaths annually due to vehicle collisions. After the ban, this number decreased significantly.
Post-ban data (2010-2018) indicates 34 deaths over eight years, or about 4-5 wildlife deaths per year. Lifting the ban would undoubtedly increase the mortality rate beyond pre-2009 levels, as the number of vehicles traveling between these three states has risen significantly.
Habitat Disturbances:
Noise and light pollution from vehicles would negatively impact wildlife behavior, particularly reproduction and foraging patterns. Movement of animals like tigers could be obstructed, potentially fragmenting their populations and reducing genetic diversity. The highway already divides the reserve, and allowing night traffic would exacerbate these issues.
Increase in Human-Wildlife Conflict:
Wildlife avoiding roads might move closer to human settlements, increasing conflicts. Animals injured or stressed by road accidents could become more aggressive, posing risks to drivers, especially two-wheeler riders, and residents near the forest’s edge.
Illegal Activities:
Night access could facilitate hunting, timber smuggling, and wildlife trafficking, as darkness provides cover for such crimes. Detecting and identifying offenders at night is challenging, and it is impossible for forest staff to be present everywhere.
In light of all this, the Karnataka government should not lift the night traffic restriction in the Bandipur forest area under any circumstances. It is essential for the public to strongly demand that the ban remain in place!
