BELAGAVI
After completely banning the movement of heavy vehicles along the route, a total ban has been imposed on the vehicular movement between 6 pm and 6 am since last week.
The ban that was in effect since January 16 was partially relaxed and was imposed between 9 pm and 6 am. However, after complaints from the wild activists, it is being implemented from 6 pm to 6 am and is being implemented strictly.
Forest check posts and gates are also being erected at four spots along the route to enforce the ban effectively.
The stretch between Khanapur and Anmod via Rumewadi Cross, Manaturga is the part of Sindhanooru-Hemmadaga State Highway-30.
The highway passes through the protected areas of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district and Kali Tiger Reserve in Uttara Kannada district and saves about 20 kms of travel distance between Belagavi and Goa.
Other than Belagavi-Panaji roads via Chorla and via Ramnagar, this is the third route between Belagavi and Goa and is closest route to the people of South Goa and Ponda taluka.
Briefing media persons, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Belagavi Division Basavaraj Patil said the decision has been arrived at after the vehicular movement posed threat to the wildlife in the wildlife sanctuaries.
Stating the movement of ambulances and villagers in the stretch was not banned after they establish their identity, he urged the commuters from Goa to observe extra care while driving on this stretch as the movement of wild animals has increased during the day due to water scarcity in the forests.
He has also urged commuters to take the NH-4A while travelling between Belagavi and Goa between 6 pm to 6 am and avoid inconvenience due to the ban.
