Tiger reserve seeks to ban traffic on roads during nighttime
- Posted
In view of deaths of several wild animal in road hits, the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve (NNTR) has proposed closure of three roads for traffic during night through Koka Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhandara district. Koka (100sqkm) was notified as a sanctuary in 2013 owing to its scientific and ecological importance and has presence of rich wildlife, including resident tigers. It is now part of Navegaon-Nagzira. The three roads — Sakoli-Tumsar, which is a state highway, passes 6km through reserve forest compartments of Koka, while Bhandara-Kardi via Paladi and Bhandara-Kardi via Salehetti passes 12km and 1.54km respectively through the sanctuary. “Despite alternative routes available, outsiders take to these forest routes, mostly to pave way for illegally trafficking of sand from Wainganga river, wildlife sightings during night, and as short-cuts. Heavy traffic has led to wild animals’ deaths in road hits,” says a report submitted to Bhandara district collector by NNTR officials. Talking to TOI, Bhandara resident deputy collector Vijay Bhakre said, “We have received the NNTR’s proposal and it is under review. We are seeking opinions from other agencies like public works department (PWD). We will also consult local villagers whether the ban would affect them.”
Bhakre agreed that the roads are used by heavy tippers to transport sand and wild animals are knocked dead. “We will jointly decide the future course of action soon,” he added. More on this article by following the link below.