Alternative routes for Bandipur

According to the PWD plan, the Mysore-Hunsur-Ponnampet-Kalpetta-Sultan Bathery road is an alternative to NH-212, but is circuitous by nearly 34 kms. On the other hand, the Mysore-Chamarajnagar-Satyamangalam-Mettupalyam-Ooty road, an alternative to NH-67, is longer by 81 kms.

The PWD’s urgency stems from the High Court’s directive to submit a detailed report on alternative road links within a week. The alternative roads are in a state of disrepair for a long time and long stretches on these routes are without asphalt, despite repeated requests by nature lovers to maintain them. It is alleged that the transporters’ lobby ensured these roads are not maintained properly so that they can continue using the national highways passing through Bandipur reserve forest.

Following the recent high court directions, the PWD woke up to prepare an upgradation plan which, sources said, was “ready” and that officials were awaiting an administrative approval “to take up improvement work”.

However, sources said the alternative roads are in motorable condition and vehicles have begun plying on these routes. “Earlier, vehicular movement was sparse. The upgradation work will be done without affecting traffic flow,” the sources said.