: The Forest Department has extended the travel ban in Thimbam ghat road at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) from 6 PM to 6 AM due to the increased movement of leopards during that period.
They said the meance of leopard movement was high in the forest ghat road leading to Thimbam from Bannari, especially in hairpin bends of 22 to 27.
Some months back a leopard killed three persons in two incidents in Thimbam forest area and so forest officials warned vehicle drivers crossing the ghat road not to operate their two wheelers or four wheelers from 6 PM to 6 AM.
Bus and lorry drivers should not get down in the ghat road for any reason and in case of repairs, should call the forest department who will come to their rescue round the clock.
After the recent animal census forest officials felt the population of leopards had increased and the feline may cross Thalawady, Thalamalai, Bejelatty, Germalam and Hassanure areas frequently.
Armed forest officials are also on patrol duty in the ghat road round the clock.
