Lahar Singh urges Karnataka govt. not to succumb to pressure to lift ban on Bandipur night traffic

BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka Lahar Singh Siroya has demanded that the Karnataka government not come under pressure from Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and the Kerala ‘lobby’ to lift the ban on Bandipur night traffic.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP from Karnataka Lahar Singh Siroya has demanded that the Karnataka government not come under pressure from Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and the Kerala ‘lobby’ to lift the ban on Bandipur night traffic.

In a social media post, Mr. Singh said the night ban on National Highway 766, which cuts through the sanctuary, has proven highly effective in curbing wildlife fatalities. Between 2010 and 2018, wildlife deaths plummeted to just 34 after the night traffic ban was imposed, as against 286 between 2005 and 2007 before the imposition.

“Notably, in 2019, the Supreme Court upheld the ban after Kerala petitioned to lift it. Multiple high-level committees and meetings between the Chief Ministers of both states had consistently concluded that the ban was critical for ecological preservation, a stance also supported by the National Tiger Conservation Authority. Successive governments of all political parties in Karnataka, including the one led by the Congress, have consistently upheld the night traffic ban in the past,” he said.

“But unfortunately, recent developments suggest growing efforts to lift the night traffic ban in Bandipur Tiger Reserve. In November 2024, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s comments advocating for a relaxation of the restrictions ignited concerns. This was further fueled by Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s letter, urging the ban’s reconsideration, followed by the Karnataka government’s withdrawal of a counter-affidavit filed in the Supreme Court,” he said.

These moves have sparked fears that the Congress-led government in Karnataka may be yielding to political pressure to lift the crucial ban, he alleged. Statements from Congress leaders, including Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, indicate a growing sentiment towards easing the night-time restrictions, he said.

This is a complete betrayal of not just Karnataka’s environmental legacy, but also the commitment that Congress’ own leaders, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, had shown to wildlife conservation and biodiversity, he maintained.