File photo: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Karnataka government yesterday expressed its inability to relax the ban on movement of vehicles during night through Bandipur Tiger Reserve that links parts of Kerala citing court proceedings but sought two months time to examine the issue.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy met his Karnataka counterpart in Bengaluru yesterday seeking a relaxation or removal of the ban.
The issue of night traffic ban in Bandipur (between 9 pm and 6 am) is before the Supreme Court. The ban was imposed in 2009 by District Collector of Chamaraj Nagar as many wild animals had been fatally knocked down by vehicles plying on this highway.
Though the state government withdrew the order, the Karnataka High Court had stayed it on a public interest litigation.
Siddaramaiah, speaking to reporters along with Mr Chandy, said the state government would not be able to take any independent decision as the issue is now pending before the Supreme Court.
However, the Karnataka Chief Minister said his government will examine Kerala's request by holding talks with officials and experts and sought two months time for it.
During the meeting Mr Chandy apprised Siddaramaiah of the problems faced by Kerala following the ban.
He also suggested escort system in which convoy of vehicles with essential goods can be transported.
Seeking relaxation in time, Kerala suggested that the ban be placed from 10 pm to 5 am instead of the existing 9 pm to 6 am and also sought that 20 vehicles be allowed during night instead of 16 as per rules.