Karnataka says no to lifting night traffic ban in Bandipur tiger reserve
Bengaluru, Oct 3: Questioning Congress leader Rahul Gandhis stand against the night traffic ban on a national highway passing through Bandipur Tiger Reserve in the state, Karnataka Tourism Minister C T Ravi on Thursday alleged the interests of various mafias was more important for the party than the safety and lives of wild animals.
On September 28, Rahul Gandhi put out two tweets showing solidarity with the youth and people of Kerala on this contentious issue.
He said, "I stand in solidarity with the youth on an indefinite hunger strike since September 25th protesting against the daily 9 hour traffic ban on NH-766 that has caused immense hardship to lakhs of people in Kerala and Karnataka."
He also added, "I urge the Central and State Governments to safeguard the interests of local communities, while upholding our collective responsibility to protect our environment."
"Congress MP @RahulGandhi wants the National Highway passing through Bandipur Forest to be opened for vehicular traffic even during the night. It is clear that the interests of various Mafias is more important for @INCIndia than the safety and lives of Wild Animals," Ravi tweeted.
Later speaking to reporters here, he said, Gandhi was "playing politics" on the issue and referred to a court order in this regard. It was the responsibility of the state government to protect the wild life.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa too on Wednesday had said there is court order not to allow vehicles in the night. I cannot violate the court order.
Rahul Gandhi should know about it.
The movement of traffic through the Tiger Reserve is banned on this stretch from 9 pm to 6 am to reduce disturbance to wildlife.
Gandhi, who represents Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala, had recently met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in New Delhi and apprised him of the hardships faced by people of Wayanad due to the night traffic ban.
He has expressed solidarity with people of Wayanad who have been on a protest for the past several days on the issue.
Gandhi is expected to join the protesters on Friday in Wayanad.
I urge the Central and State Governments to safeguard the interests of local communities, while upholding our collective responsibility to protect our environment.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 29, 2019
I stand in solidarity with the youth on an indefinite hunger strike since September 25th protesting against the daily 9 hour traffic ban on NH-766 that has caused immense hardship to lakhs of people in Kerala and Karnataka.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 29, 2019
CONgress MP @RahulGandhi wants the National Highway passing through Bandipur Forest to be opened for vehicular traffic even during the night.
— C T Ravi ?? ಸಿ ಟಿ ರವಿ (@CTRavi_BJP) October 3, 2019
It is clear that the interests of various Mafias is more important for @INCIndia than the safety and lives of Wild Animals.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
