Farmers, public urge officials to lift vehicle ban on national highway for Bannari Mariamman kundam festival

Stating that a total ban on the movement of vehicles on Mysuru–Sathyamangalam National Highway 948 for three days, in view of the Kundam festival at Arulmigu Bannari Mariamman Temple, would affect students, patients, farmers, and tourists, the public and farmers submitted petitions to the revenue and police officials in Talavadi on Friday. The police have banned all types of vehicles from using the stretch from Hasanur to Bannari, which passes through the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR), from April 6 to 8. The Kundam festival will be held on April 8, and lakhs of devotees from various parts of the State and Karnataka are expected to visit the temple.

All vehicles from Talavadi and Karnataka have been directed to pass through Hasanur, Germalam, Kadambur, D.G. Pudur, and Naal Road to reach Sathyamangalam.



Likewise, vehicles from Sathyamangalam have been directed to use the same route to reach Hasanur and proceed towards Talavadi and Karnataka. However, the farmers pointed out that the alternative road was a single-lane stretch that passed through the forest area. The movement of vehicles in both directions would lead to traffic congestion and hardships.

Vehicles transporting vegetables and other farm products, as well as students, tourists from Karnataka, and the general public, would be adversely affected by the alternative arrangement. Farmers S. Manickam and Muthuram from Talavadi submitted a petition to the Inspector of Police and the Tahsildar.

They argued that blocking the national highway would impact everyone and requested that passenger vehicles be allowed during these days. Officials assured them that the issue would be taken up with senior authorities for action. Published - April 04, 2025 05:29 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Erode.