Travellers passing through the wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka, including the Kali Tiger Reserve via Anmod, will now have to pay an additional fee to reach their destination.
A government order issued earlier this month states that light vehicles will have to pay Rs 20, while heavy vehicles will have to pay Rs 50 when passing through Kali Tiger Reserve. The reserve, which was renamed from Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve to Kali Tiger Reserve (JOIDA) in December 2015, spans over 400 sq km and includes the river Kali, which is the lifeline of the people of Uttara Kannada district.
Uttar Kannada forest officials have already begun to impose this toll at the forest check post near Anmod, with receipts being issued accordingly. Half of the amount collected will go towards the conservation of the tiger reserve, while the other half will go to the wildlife fund.
The forest officials in Belagavi are also considering implementing fees for vehicles that travel through Chorla near Kankumbi. This particular route passes through the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, and we are currently studying the order to determine when the toll will be imposed.
Forest Department is taking into account the impact that vehicles have on the sanctuary’s ecosystem. By implementing these fees, they hope to encourage more responsible driving practices and reduce the negative effects of traffic on the environment.