Dehradun, June 6 – A 14-kilometre-long wildlife underpass has been constructed along the upcoming Dehradun-Delhi Expressway, ensuring both speedy travel for commuters and safe passage for wild animals. The initiative, led by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), aims to strike a balance between development and conservation.
To monitor wildlife movement through the underpass, 160 camera traps have been installed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Recent footage has captured elephants, herds of elephants, deer, and sambars using the passage — a promising indication of its success.
Scientific Planning for Safe Wildlife Corridors
The underpass was designed after a detailed study conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India during the planning phase of the expressway. Considering the rich biodiversity of the region, the decision to build a dedicated wildlife corridor was crucial. Although the expressway is not yet officially open for public use, the underpass structure is complete and already witnessing significant wildlife activity.
Dr. Bilal Habib, a scientist at WII, confirmed that images from the camera traps clearly show animal movements — especially during the night and evening hours. “This is an encouraging sign,” he said, emphasizing the importance of safe wildlife corridors amid rapid infrastructure development.
A Model of Development with Conservation
Koko Rosso, Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, described the project as a model for development without ecological harm. “Once the expressway is operational, the current lower road — which is still open — will be shut down for regular use and reserved only for emergency and maintenance access. This is expected to increase wildlife movement even further,” he said.
The expressway is set to significantly reduce travel time between Dehradun and Delhi, while preserving the ecological continuity of wildlife habitats in the region. Most wild animals, including elephants, are nocturnal in nature, making such underpasses crucial for their safe navigation.
What Lies Ahead
This wildlife-friendly infrastructure sets an example for future highway projects across India. The collaboration between forest officials, scientists, and infrastructure planners proves that development and conservation can go hand in hand when backed by data and thoughtful execution.
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