New highway between Delhi, Dehradun balances development with nature
Come April 14, you can zip past at 100 kmph on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor without disturbing wildlife in this ecologically sensitive area, courtesy unique animal underpasses. The stretch features a 10.97 km long animal underpass designed specifically to facilitate unobstructed wildlife movement.
In fact, elephants, golden jackals, nilgais, sambhars and spotted deer are already using the underpasses, according to a study released on Friday. The study also captured images of these animals traversing the tunnels. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducted this study titled Landscapes Reconnected.
The study highlights the underpasses as is a major milestone in showcasing successful sustainable and inclusive development of highway projects in ecologically sensitive areas.“Conducted along an 18 km stretch of Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor between Ganeshpur and Asharodi, the study was undertaken with the objective of assessing patterns of underpass use by wildlife, factors affecting usage of underpasses by different wild species and effectiveness of the underpasses,” said an official.
The corridor is surrounded by a forest region inhabited by the endangered species such as tigers, elephants, greater hornbills and king cobras.
The research identified the strategic management of the soundscape as a primary factor in facilitating natural wildlife behaviour beneath the corridor. The data indicate that while generalist species, such as golden jackals and wild boar, have habituated to significant traffic sound, sensitive species like elephants and spotted deer selectively utilise underpass segments with lower sound levels.
Utilising camera traps and acoustic recorders along the corridor, the study documented a total of 1,11,234 images of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife over 40 days. Among these, 40,444 were attributed to 18 unique wild species utilising the underpass, including various carnivores, herbivores, ungulates, pheasants and primates.
The golden jackal was the most frequently captured, followed closely by nilgais, sambars, and spotted deers. Smaller mammals, including the indian hare, also showed consistent movement through the structures. The report also recorded 60 instances of the elephants safely utilising the corridors.
Deployment of advanced noise reduction strategies including targeted sound barriers in high-frequency crossing areas will further enhance passage for noise-sensitive species.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the 210-km Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor to the nation on April 14. This major infrastructure project will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun to approximately two and a half hours, down from the current five hours.
The study reaffirms that well-planned infrastructure interventions, including underpasses and elevated corridors, play a crucial role in preserving the natural habitat of the wild animals and maintaining ecological connectivity.
