Indiscriminate parking hampers traffic in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve stretch

Vehicles parked on both sides of the Dindigul–Bengaluru National Highway 948 near Hasanur, within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR), are causing serious traffic congestion and inconvenience to road users.

The 27-km stretch from the forest check-post at Bannari at the foothills to the Karapallam forest check-post near Hasanur passes through the core area of the reserve. Heavy vehicles, light vehicles, and tourist cars are routinely seen parked near tea stalls and hotels along the highway. This unregulated parking severely hampers the movement of vehicles, as the stretch is used daily by sugarcane-laden lorries and goods transport trucks between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

R. Ashok of Sathyamangalam, a regular commuter to Mysuru, said the location was the only major refreshment point along a 40–60 km stretch, which was why many motorists halted there. “But they should be mindful of others and park their vehicles in a way that does not disrupt traffic,” he added.

Due to heavy traffic throughout the day, vehicles are frequently parked during morning, afternoon, and evening hours. “The place is filled with vehicles almost every day,” said a lorry driver from Tiruppur district. “Lorries and cars are regularly parked here as travellers take a break during their journey.”

The Government Tribal Residential Higher Secondary School is also located in the area, and vehicles parked near its entrance are causing inconvenience to students, teachers, and parents. “It’s not an accident-prone zone, but it has become unsafe due to indiscriminate parking,” said another motorist, who urged strict enforcement of parking regulations.

Motorists have raised concerns over the absence of proper parking regulations and urged authorities to streamline parking and ensure smooth traffic flow.