Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi joins protest against NH 776 night travel ban

Congress leer and Member of Parliament from Wayan constituency, Rahul Gandhi, reached his constituency on Friday morning to show solidarity with ongoing massive protests against night traffic ban on a national highway passing through Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Kerala. Gandhi met youth leers who have been on a hunger strike and showed strong support. National Highway (NH) 776, which cuts through forest area, has been banned between 9 pm and 6 am to avoid animal casualties. 

Wayan protests intensified following Gandhi's support

Wayan has been witnessing protests against night travel ban since past dece. Gandhi h earlier tweeted in support of protests and youth leers who have been on a hunger strike since September 25. He said that he stands in solidarity with protesters as nine-hour traffic ban has caused immense hardship to lakhs of people in Kerala and Karnataka. Following Rahul Gandhi's support, locals of Wayan intensified protest by taking out a march demanding lifting of night ban. 

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Karnataka HC imposes a night travel ban on NH 776

In 2009, Karnataka High Court issued an order imposing a ban on NH 776 to avoid wild animal casualties as national highway cuts through Bandipur Tiger Reserve. order agitated several people of Wayan as move increased travel time abundantly. Recently, Supreme Court also sought a report on possibilities of complete closure of route, after an alternative Kutta Gonikuppa ro was upgred. However, locals protested against move as y stated that farmers would be worst hit as y would t be able to transport ir produce within stipulated time.

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Last week, locals and representatives of youth wings of all political parties, including Youth Congress, Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), Youth League and Yuva Morcha, went on a hunger strike demanding lifting of night traffic ban. locals also proposed construction of an elevated highway that would ensure safety and protection of wild animals while t increasing ir travel time. distance between Bary and Mysuru, which is currently 98 km, would increase to 217 km with alternative route proposed.

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