Mysuru, 3 May

Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Saturday opposed the Congress government's reported move to lift the night traffic ban through Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Addressing the media, he said he raised the issue during the recent Parliament session and brought it to the attention of Union Forest Minister Bhupendra Yadav.

The night traffic ban, imposed in 2009, restricts movement through National Highway-766 (formerly NH-212) from 9pm to 6am to protect wildlife in the core reserve. Bandipur, spanning 868.63 sq km in Chamarajanagar district, is a key part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. A Wildlife Conservation Foundation study (2005–2007) recorded 286 animal deaths from vehicle collisions, prompting the ban.

The issue has resurfaced following a letter from Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra urging the ban be reconsidered. The Karnataka government also withdrew a counter-affidavit from the Supreme Court, fuelling concerns.

Yaduveer said the Union Ministry and the National Tiger Conservation Authority would counter the move legally. He stressed that neither the ban nor its relaxation should be allowed, emphasising long-term conservation over convenience. Kerala has repeatedly opposed the ban due to travel disruptions between Wayanad and Mysuru.