Greens rally against lifting of night ban, MLA says no such proposal

HUNDREDS of activists, farmers and nature lovers from Mysuru and Bengaluru as well as neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Kerala took out a massive march and cycle rally in Bandipur on Sunday, urging the Karnataka government not to lift the night traffic ban in the national park.

- K SHIVA KUMAR @Mysuru

Braving the scorching sun, the protesters marched from Kaggaladahundi to Sultan Bathery Road, holding 'Save Bandipur' placards to send a strong message to the government not to act on the proposal to lift the night traffic ban.

Wildlife photographer Senani said the biodiversity-rich Nilgiri biosphere, which covers 5,500sqkm, should be protected and people should understand the importance of conservation.

"Roadkills pose a serious threat to every species, including frogs," he said, highlighting the importance of the night ban.

Welcoming the Raitha Sangha joining the stir, Senani urged elected representatives to take a decision after understanding its impact on the environment. Environmentalist Saptha Girish stressed that neither night traffic nor road widening work should be allowed in Bandipur.