BELAGAVI
Travellers passing through the reserved wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka including the Kali Tiger Reserve via Anmod will have to shell out extra money to reach their destination.
According to a government order that was issued earlier this month light vehicles will have to pay Rs 20 whereas the heavy vehicles will have to pay Rs 50 while passing through Kali Tiger Reserve.
In December 2015, Dandeli Anshi Tiger reserve was renamed to Kali Tiger Reserve (JOIDA). The river Kali which is the lifeline of the people of Uttara Kannada district also integrates Kali Tiger Reserve which is spread across over 400 sq kms.
Uttar Kannada forest officials have already commenced to impose this toll which is being collected at the forest check post near Anmod and a receipt is being issued accordingly.
“While half the amount goes to the conservation of the tiger reserve other half goes to wildlife fund,” an officer said.
Meanwhile, Belagavi forest officials too are contemplating to impose these fees on the vehicles travelling via Chorla.
“As this route passes through the vicinity of Bhimgarh Wildlife Sanctuary we are studying the order after which the toll is likely to be imposed,” a senior forest official told The Goan.
