Ahead of PM Modi’s visit, ban on tourist entry to Bandipur National Park till April 9

PM Modi will also interact with field directors of tiger reserves that have scored highest in the recently concluded fifth cycle of the Management Effectiveness Evaluation exercise.

At Bandipur, the Prime Minister will also launch the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA). In July 2019, PM Modi had called for an alliance of global leaders to obliterate demand and firmly curb poaching and illegal wildlife trade in Asia. The alliance is being launched to take this message forward, the PMO statement said. The IBCA will focus on the protection and conservation of seven major big cats – tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar and cheetah – with membership of the range countries harbouring these species.

PM Modi will also inaugurate a ‘Commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger’ programme where he will release the publications ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Vision for Tiger Conservation’, a summary report of the fifth cycle of the Management Effective Evaluation of tiger reserves, declare tiger numbers and release a summary report of all-India tiger estimation. A commemorative coin on the completion of 50 years of Project Tiger will also be released by Prime Minister Modi.

Chamarajanagar Deputy Commissioner D S Ramesh issued a circular stating that the closure was necessary for road maintenance, pre-preparedness and security.

While people will be allowed to take the Bandipur tiger reserve road to reach Tamil Nadu, they cannot stop their vehicles midway. The district administration has also directed the closure of homestays and resorts near the tiger reserve.