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Road Closure Sparks 40km Detour for Locals, Tourists
9 Jan
Summary
- A 7km road stretch within the new Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary is now blocked.
- Villagers and tourists now face a 40km detour to reach their destinations.
- Damaged bridges hinder potential reopening and restoration efforts.
A newly established wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu has forced a substantial 40km detour for residents and tourists, disrupting essential travel routes. The Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary, announced in 2024, encompasses a 7km section of a 26km road linking Sivalingapuram in Krishnagiri district to Pennagaram in Dharmapuri district. This road, originally developed and tarred in 2005 with nine bridges built to mitigate flood risks, is now inaccessible through the sanctuary.
Commuters, including farmers who relied on the road to transport produce, now endure arduous journeys. Residents report traveling over 40km to reach Pennagaram, a significant increase from the previously direct route. The closure has prompted calls for the road's reopening, especially for those living near the forest.
Adding to the challenges, recent rainfall has damaged several bridges along the route, with three reported as broken. Locals are urging the Krishnagiri district administration to repair the damaged three-kilometer stretch and to consider arranging bus facilities to alleviate the transportation difficulties caused by the new sanctuary.
