Home / Environment / Wildlife Thrives on Economic Corridor Underpasses
Wildlife Thrives on Economic Corridor Underpasses
30 Mar
Summary
- Many wildlife species actively use underpasses on the Delhi-Dehradun corridor.
- A 40-day study used 150 camera traps to monitor 18 unique wild species.
- Underpasses help wildlife move naturally, reducing the barrier effect of roads.
A 40-day observational study has demonstrated the effectiveness of underpasses on the Delhi-Dehradun economic corridor, which traverses Uttarakhand's Shivalik forest. This initiative aimed to ensure wildlife could move naturally around the new road project.
Wildlife Institute of India researchers placed 150 camera traps across a 3.5-km section. The cameras documented 40,444 images of 18 distinct wild species using the underpasses. Nilgai, sambar, chital, hares, golden jackals, and elephants were identified as the most frequent users.
Analysis of spatial and temporal patterns showed animals generally avoid areas with human activity. The study highlights the importance of such interventions in reducing the barrier effect of infrastructure. The National Highway Authority of India collaborated with the Wildlife Institute of India to suggest and implement mitigation measures, including the approximately 11 km of underpasses developed for the corridor.
