The Kerala Legislative Assembly recently put forth a demand to the Union government to eliminate the travel restrictions on National Highway-766 (NH-766). Instituted in 2009, these restrictions were imposed to safeguard the wildlife residing in the forest stretch of NH-766 that graces the Bandipur National Park. As this stretch connects Karnataka and Kerala, it plays a significant role for the people of Wayanad, who rely primarily on this route due to the area’s lack of rail and water connectivity.
National Highway-766: A crucial lifeline
NH-766, earlier known as NH 212, was declared a national highway in 1989. It traverses through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and has since been rechristened to NH-766. This highway proves to be a vital transportation route, particularly for the inhabitants of Wayanad. The region doesn’t enjoy the perks of other modes of transport like railway and waterways; hence, the highway serves as a survival route, facilitating their daily commute and essential transport services.
Bandipur National Park: An interconnected ecosystem
The Bandipur National Park is part of a larger network of forests which include the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, and Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka. This interconnected system of forests is not just home to a diverse range of wildlife, but also ranks as having one of the highest tiger populations in India.
| S/N | Name | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary | Tamil Nadu | Part of interconnected ecosystem with Bandipur National Park |
| 2 | Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary | Kerala | Part of interconnected ecosystem with Bandipur National Park |
| 3 | Nagarhole National Park | Karnataka | Part of interconnected ecosystem with Bandipur National Park |
| 4 | Bandipur National Park | Karnataka | Located on NH-766, second highest tiger population in India |
India’s Tiger Population: An overview
In the hierarchy of the highest number of tigers in India, Madhya Pradesh sits at the top. Following closely behind is Karnataka, where the Bandipur National Park is located. The park hosts the second-highest concentration of tigers in the country. Thus, the continuous protection and conservation of these habitats is essential, not only for these majestic creatures but also to maintain the balance of our ecosystem.