Mysuru: More often than not, remedial measures are proposed, and implemented after the fact. What is worse, in the case of ecologically sensitive areas, such remedies might come only in the aftermath of the tragedy.The death of the tusker, ‘Rowdy’ Ranga , an elephant from the Mattigodu Elephant Camp, who was a household name in Mysuru, having participated in multiple Dasara processions, appears to have finally alerted the officials of the public works department (PWD) to the threat posed to wildlife within protected habitats by speeding vehicles. Although the demand for imposing speed restrictions and speedbreakers at regular intervals on roads passing through protected forests is a longstanding one of the environmentalists, it is the unfortunate demise of Ranga, who had a fatal collision with a speeding bus at his camp in Nagarahole that has sallied the forest department officials to renew their demand for more safety measures in the reserve. Senior officials of the forest department have asked PWD to limit the speed of vehicles inside Nagarahole to 40kmph, and install speedbreakers every 500m. Meanwhile, the forest department has decided to take it upon itself to install closed circuit television cameras within the elephant camp.Deputy conservator of forests (wildlife), Mysuru division KT Hanumanthappa told TOI that the demand for speedbreakers was largely to prevent reckless driving in a manner that would adversely affect wildlife. “It would be ideal to have one bump every 500m along the road within the forest,” Hanumanthappa said.The senior official said that they would convey the need to impose a speed limit of 40kmph, and install signboards along the way communicating the same to motorists. “We will send a letter to the district administration in this regard,” Hanumanthappa said.On the installation of CCTV cameras, he said that they would be put up at both the entry and exit points of the Mattigodu Elephant Camp – at Aanechoukur and Alur Gate respectively. “This will help us get accurate information about the vehicles entering the camps,” said Hanumanthappa, adding that the cameras would be installed in a week’s time to assist the department in monitoring vehicular movement across the entire stretch in Nagarahole.Residents of villages lying on the fringes of the forest are understandably pleased with the forest department’s initiative. “It is common to find animals crossing the road running between Virajpet and Aanechoukur. Government intervention is crucial to ensure the safety of wild animals. We hope the PWD issues an order to this effect. Speedbreakers will ensure that motorists do not drive recklessly,” said Raghavendra M, a resident of Gonikoppal.

Stay updated with all the Latest Mysore headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.