'We cannot allow vested interests to destroy wildlife': Mohandas Pai Backs Bandipur Night Traffic Ban

April 02, 2025 03:39 PM is its statement amid growing concerns of wildlife activists, who warned against legal action and protest action as the Karnataka government lifted the ban. Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai expressed strong support for continuing the night traffic ban on the highway going through Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Former CFO of Infosys Mohandas Pai. (Abhijit Bhatlekar/ Mint) After being admitted to social media, Pai appealed to public support and said: “People, please support the night-time traffic ban on the bandipur Tiger Reserve Road. We cannot allow the interests of our wildlife to destroy!” (Also read: Go to Bengaluru Airport? Imagine yourself shooting out extra money. Here’s the reason) Read his post here: His statement comes amid growing concerns of wildlife activists, who warned against legal action and protests as the Karnataka government imposes the ban. According to a report from the New Indian Express, activists met at Melukamanahalli in Bandipur on Monday to judge vehicle movement through check posts at Moolhole, Maddur and Mutanga near Wayanad. They reported widespread offenses, with trucks carrying far beyond allowable limits, in violation of transport and mining regulations. The activists are now planning large -scale awareness campaigns in local communities, rallies involving farmers, and a petition to the courts that advocate for the prohibition’s continuation. They intend to provide data that shows that the restriction over the years helps to reduce the casualty and conflicts of wildlife. (Also read: Man dies of suicide after the daughter, 2 others, was killed in Karnataka Village) The night traffic ban, since 2009, has been a controversial issue, with Kerala repeatedly requesting constraints to raise restrictions to facilitate smoother transport between the two states. However, conservationists believe that the ban has significantly favored the rich biodiversity of Bandipur and that they must remain in force to protect the fragile ecosystem, the TNie report added. With public figures such as Pai lending their voice to the case, the demand for continued restrictions gained further momentum. (With agency input) (Also read: ‘BBMP must test the first time’: Bengaluru’s new Ferrari Showroom Sparks Online Mockery on the poor roads of the city)