Authorities at Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) have imposed a night-time ban on movement along the 25-kilometre Dudhwa-Gaurifanta road, the only direct road link to the Nepal border in the region. Effective from Saturday, the restriction applies to all vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, with only emergency services such as ambulances exempted.
Details of the Restriction
The restriction was announced through an order issued by DTR Deputy Director Jagdish R, citing a Supreme Court (SC) judgment in the 'TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India' case and a subsequent directive issued on April 17 by Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Environment, Forest and Climate Change) V Hekali Zhimomi. Under the order, traffic on the road will remain suspended daily from 6 pm to 6 am.
The route passes through Dudhwa National Park and connects Lakhimpur Kheri district with Nepal. It serves as a key transport link for Tharu tribal villages and facilitates cross-border movement for more than 40,000 community members.
Alternative Route Provided
To reduce inconvenience, forest authorities have exempted the 12-kilometre Dudhwa-Chandanchauki road from the restriction, although travellers will have to cover more than 20 kilometres of additional distance to reach the Nepal border.
Legal Challenge
The move has drawn objections from senior advocate SM Haider Rizvi of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, who termed the order a misinterpretation of SC directions. In a representation sent on Saturday to DTR authorities and senior Uttar Pradesh government officials, Rizvi argued that the road passes through the reserve's buffer zone and not the critical tiger habitat or core forest as defined under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Referring to clause 48.8 of the SC order, which mandates strict regulation of night traffic on roads passing through core or critical tiger habitats, Rizvi argued that a blanket 12-hour closure without road-specific scientific evidence fails the test of reasonableness. He also contended that the restriction infringes upon citizens' fundamental right to free movement and warned of filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) if the decision is not reconsidered.
Authorities' Defence
Defending the order, DTR Deputy Director said, Nearly 20 kilometres of the 25-kilometre stretch passes through core forest area, making the restrictions necessary for wildlife protection.
