Four Underpasses to Ensure Wildlife Safety on Rishikesh-Jheelwala Highway
The Rishikesh-Jheelwala highway expansion project is set to take a significant step in promoting wildlife safety with the construction of four dedicated underpasses. This initiative is part of the broader plan to transform the existing two-lane road into a four-lane highway, enhancing both transportation efficiency and ecological protection. At a cost of Rs 600 crore, the 20-km stretch will serve as a vital corridor for both human and wildlife movement in the region.
A major feature of this road project is the inclusion of underpasses, specifically designed to allow elephants and other wildlife to move freely across the forest areas without coming into contact with human traffic. These underpasses will be strategically placed over a 3-kilometre stretch, a region known for its high elephant activity, according to experts familiar with the project. This move aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, which has been a growing concern in the area.
Historically, the region has witnessed serious wildlife-related incidents, including fatal encounters between elephants and humans. In one such case, a rogue elephant caused the death of 18 people over a span of a year and a half, highlighting the urgent need for such interventions. The construction of underpasses is expected to dramatically reduce these risks by providing a safe passage for wildlife, away from human habitation and traffic.The project, which spans the Rishikesh and Barkot ranges of the Dehradun Forest Division, will also contribute to broader conservation efforts. As part of the mitigation strategy, approximately 40 hectares of non-forest land will be transferred to the Mussoorie Forest Division for afforestation
helping to expand the forest cover in the region. However, the project will also result in the cutting of approximately 3,000 trees, which has raised concerns among environmentalists.
While the construction is a positive step towards balancing development and wildlife conservation, officials will need to ensure that the environmental impact is managed effectively. This includes preserving the surrounding forest ecosystems and enhancing wildlife corridors, in line with the state’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.
As the project progresses, the underpasses and other safety measures will provide much-needed relief for both wildlife and local communities, contributing to a safer and more eco-conscious transportation network in Uttarakhand.
