Citizens rally for wildlife with ‘Walk for Bandipur’ campaign

Activists and citizens march to support night traffic ban in Bandipur against potential lift due to political pressure.

Activists and common citizens, including farmers, launched the ‘’Walk for Bandipur’’ amidst growing concerns over renewed efforts to lift the night traffic ban through the famed tiger reserve, on Sunday (April 6, 2025).

The march intends to drum up support for the continuation of the night traffic ban through Bandipur consequent to apprehensions that the ban may be lifted due to political reasons and pressure from Kerala.

An initiative of United Conservation Movement, the walk began from Primary Healthcare Center, Kaggala Hundi, about 2.5 km before the Maddur check post on the road to Sultan Bathery. The organisers said the walk is a statement against compromising ecological balance and conservation imperatives under the pretext of ‘’development’’ or ‘’public convenience’’.

The Walk for Bandipur is supported by people not only from Mysuru, Bengaluru and other places, but also local farmers and commoners drawn from various villages on the forest fringes and that bear the brunt of conflict situation.

Former Director of Bandipur T.Balachander who addressed the rally, said the night traffic ban has not created any problems for the general public and has played a crucial role in minimizing conflict and death of wild animals due to road accidents. He said in case the ban was eased or lifted, the conflict was bound to increase.

The Government of Karnataka was already paying Rs.40 crore every year by way of compensation and solatium due to crop loss or human deaths because of conflict around Bandipur alone. This was bound to increase in case the night traffic ban was lifted, said Mr.Balachander. Hence, the Government should not lift the night traffic ban under any circumstances, he added.

A memorandum addressed to Conservator of Forests and Director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, was also submitted. Future plans include similar rallies and protests in Mysuru, Bengaluru and other places besides reaching out to law makers and elected representatives, urging them not to lift the night traffic ban through Bandipur.