Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister V D Satheesan said on Tuesday that he and Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar would hold discussions in Bengaluru to find a permanent solution to the night traffic ban on NH-766 and NH-67 through Bandipur National Park and Tiger Reserve connecting both states. Replying to a submission in the assembly, he said govt will prepare an alternative proposal in consultation with Karnataka govt before submitting a detailed project report. He said the proposal could involve a tunnel or an elevated structure designed to allow the free movement of wild animals.The night traffic ban, imposed by the deputy commissioner to prevent the deaths of wild animals in road accidents, prohibits vehicles between 9pm and 6am on both stretches. Though the ban was subsequently withdrawn, Karnataka High Court had stayed the move. The stay remains in force as Supreme Court has not intervened to overturn the HC order, said Satheesan.He said the matter was pending in SC and any change will require both states to reach an agreement before submitting a joint alternative proposal. Satheesan said he had initial discussions with Shivakumar, who agreed to hold further consultations. Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi had offered to facilitate discussions with Karnataka govt, he added.Satheesan said his govt was committed to finding a lasting solution but reiterated that the restriction stemmed from an HC stay dating back to 2009. He criticised protests over the issue, saying successive govts had not resolved it for a decade, while the new govt had assumed office only a few months ago.
