Stating that restrictions on movement of vehicles during night hours on the Bannari–Karapallam stretch of the national highway that passes through the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) is affecting traders, farmers, workers, lorry owners and the public, over 2,500 traders in Sathyamangalam and Talavadi downed their shutters while lorries kept off the road in the district here on Monday.
The Madras High Court had on April 6, 2022, issued orders on vehicle movement on the national highway that passes through STR to prevent death of wild animals. As per the regulations any vehicle with 12 wheels and above and vehicles carrying goods over 16.2 tonnes should not be allowed to use the stretch. Other vehicles were permitted to use it from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Buses were not allowed to use it from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
But members of Talavadi Farmers’ Association said forest officials were denying permission even for light motor vehicles during night hours that transported vegetables and farm products from Talavadi and Karnataka to various markets in the State. These vehicles should be exempted from toll fee collections at the two check-posts and should be allowed to ply without any restrictions, they stressed. They wanted buses to be allowed to use the stretch round-the-clock and local people should be allowed to travel without passes.
Members of Sathyamangalam Lorry Owners’ Association said night ban on vehicle movement was affecting transportation of goods, including vegetables and essential commodities, and wanted the State government to file a review petition in the court to revoke the ban permanently.
While over 2,200 shops were closed in Sathyamangalam, over 350 shops in Talavadi and Hasanur, including vegetable mandis, were closed for the day on Monday. Members of various political parties, trade and farmers’ associations, merchant unions and the public gathered near Bannari check-post and at Talavadi bus stand to stage demonstrations.
