Question : Lifting of Night Traffic Ban through Bandipur National Park

(a) whether the Union Government is aware of the hardships to a large number of people living in North Malabar due to continuation of the night traffic ban on National Highway (NH) - 212 through the Bandipur National Park and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(b) whether the Union Government proposes to mediate by finding out an alternative way to lift this ban without disturbing the wildlife and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Union Government has received any memorandum from the Government of Kerala in this regard and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken thereon;

(d) whether the Union Government proposes to consider the proposal for constructing an elevated corridor through that National Park to avoid any disturbances to the wildlife and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Union Government has conducted any feasibility/viability studies about this proposal and if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and

(f) whether the Union Government is ready to amicably find out a solution by calling a meeting of Chief Ministers of Kerala and Karnataka in this regard and if so, the details thereof along with the time frame set for the purpose?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) to (e) Ban on night traffic from 9 PM to 6 AM on NH-766 (Old NH-212) through Bandipur National Park was imposed by the District Collector, Charmraj Nagar, Karnataka on 03.06.2009 which was upheld by High Court of Karnataka on 09.03.2010. Special Leave Petition Civil No.13838 of 2010 was filed by Transport department of Kerala against decision of Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka on banning of night traffic. An expert committee under Chairmanship of Secretary (RT&H) was constituted by Hon’ble Supreme Court for sorting out the issue.

(f) A meeting of the committee of Secretaries chaired by the Union Cabinet Secretary was held on 18.02.2019, wherein it was recommended that the status quo shall be maintained on restriction of night-time traffic through Bandipur National Park, as it is a core area of wildlife habitat and an alternative route is already available for night time traffic and four buses and emergency vehicles are already permitted through Bandipur National Park.

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