State firm on traffic ban in forests

Forest Minister R Shankar on Tuesday said the stand of Karnataka forest department was clear — night traffic ban will continue at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and everywhere else where orders have been issued.

He told reporters at the sidelines of the 64th Wildlife Week valedictory that depending on the flow of traffic and animal population, traffic on other roads passing through forest areas can also be closed. Orders have been issued to lay speed breakers on all roads cutting through forests to control speeding vehicles.

“I will discuss with the chief minister and a decision will be taken. Stringent measures will be taken to ensure movement of vehicles is restricted. Karnataka’s case in the apex court has become strong after the death of tusker Ranga in Nagarhole,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shankar said the transfer of assistant conservator of forests Ravindra Kumar was routine. But if the pressure from people mounts, then he will be reinstated, he added.