The ongoing debate over the night travel ban in Bandipur National Park has brought to light the complex clash between human needs and wildlife conservation. The issue has escalated to the political stage, with significant involvement from both Kerala and Karnataka governments, raising questions about the balance between development and protecting endangered species.
Political pressure and public debate
In the run-up to the 2019 and 2024 general elections, the removal of the night travel ban at Bandipur National Park became a key issue, particularly in Kerala. Prominent figures such as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Vadra, who was the Wayanad constituency candidate, pledged to lobby with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to lift the ban. Despite Priyanka Vadra’s successful election to Parliament, the ban remains in place.
Recently, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reignited the debate, promising a review of the ban. However, Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has clarified that the state is unlikely to lift the ban entirely, although there may be some relaxation for emergencies, particularly for healthcare.
The significance of Bandipur National Park
Located in Karnataka’s Chamarajnagar and Mysore districts, Bandipur National Park is an ecologically sensitive area that plays a critical role in preserving biodiversity. The 912-square-kilometre park is home to Bengal tigers, which have seen a remarkable recovery from just 12 individuals in 1973 to 193 tigers in 2022. The park also hosts Indian leopards, elephants, gaur, and a wide array of other endangered species.
Beyond its rich fauna, Bandipur’s forests are vulnerable to illegal activities such as smuggling, particularly of valuable trees like sandalwood and teak. The park’s dense cover also houses several species of reptiles, birds, and insects, making it a key area for conservation efforts.
Why was the night travel ban imposed?