Bandipur traffic curbs: State to file revised affidavit before SC

Bengaluru: Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Sunday advised officers to address the humanitarian concerns raised in petitions seeking an end to the night traffic ban in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and asked officials to follow the procedure while filing counter affidavits in the Supreme Court.

The 9 pm-6 am traffic ban on the two roads passing through the Reserve has been opposed by organisations and individuals in Kerala at various courts and forums. The Supreme Court recently admitted an interlocutory petition seeking relaxation of the ban by Paul Mathews, a resident of Wayanad, for which Karnataka had to respond.

Conservator of Forests, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, S Prabhakaran had prepared a counter affidavit. The document included the details of the steps taken by Karnataka to ensure that ambulances and people in emergency are allowed to travel in the restricted time. It said Karnataka has also developed an alternative road (State Highway 88) at the cost of Rs 75 crore as a viable alternative to the two roads.

Sources said that though the counter affidavit was watertight and took a tough stance for conservation but a procedural error led to a problem.

“Following urgency expressed by the advocate representing Karnataka in the Supreme Court, the affidavit was sent without getting further clearances by higher ups in the government. Hence, the affidavit had to be withdrawn and reworked,” the source said.

A senior official who attended Sunday’s meeting said that the minister held discussions on the content of the revised affidavit. “The minister was apprised of the background of the night traffic ban. He was also briefed about the affidavit being withdrawn,” he said.

The minister directed officials to explore if it was possible to allow more public transport vehicles as long as it doesn’t impact the movement of animals in the Reserve. The officials were also told to get the necessary clearances from the government before proceeding to file affidavits on behalf of the government.