Limited night traffic allowed through Bandipur forest, says Minister Eshwara Khandre
Bengaluru: Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced that restricted vehicular movement, including two buses and one ambulance, will be permitted inside the Bandipur forest area during nighttime hours. This decision marks a slight relaxation of the strict night travel ban that has been in place to protect the sensitive wildlife habitat.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha on Wednesday, Khandre explained that the original ban was enforced to minimize human interference in the forest, a critical tiger reserve known for its biodiversity. However, exceptions were made following persistent requests from various political leaders and public representatives advocating for essential transport services.
In addition to addressing transport policy, Khandre highlighted the release of a new wildlife documentary titled "Cauvery: River of Life". Created by conservationists Saravan Kumar and Dr. Sanjay Gubbi, the film explores the ecological importance of the Cauvery River and the struggles faced by wildlife that depend on its waters, particularly during the harsh summer months.
The documentary vividly portrays the transformations along the river over time, capturing the richness of wildlife in the Cauvery and Male Mahadeshwara Hills sanctuaries. Featured species include elephants, deer, wild dogs, frogs, and various birds, revealing their adaptive lifestyles in forests increasingly affected by climate change and human encroachment. Khandre noted that the film raises critical awareness about conservation challenges, emphasizing the need for sustainable policies to balance development and environmental protection.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
