Advertisement
What really powers the cloud? Behind every Google search, A...
A lot of what defines a home isn’t visible at handover. I...
Private equity has played a significant role in shaping Indi...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -...
• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has defended the proposed Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh highway project, stating that wildlife conservation measures have been integrated into its design.
• The authority said the project includes multiple animal underpasses, noise barriers, speed-calming measures and restricted construction practices to minimise ecological impacts.
• The clarification follows concerns raised by environmental groups over the project's alignment through ecologically sensitive areas near the Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
• NHAI maintains that the project aims to improve road safety and ease congestion while complying with environmental and wildlife protection requirements.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has reiterated that the proposed Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh highway project has been designed with extensive wildlife protection measures, responding to concerns over its potential impact on ecologically sensitive areas near the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. The authority said environmental safeguards have been incorporated into the project from the planning stage to balance infrastructure development with biodiversity conservation.
The proposed highway is intended to improve connectivity between Dehradun and Rishikesh while reducing congestion on one of Uttarakhand's busiest road corridors. According to NHAI, increasing traffic volumes, frequent bottlenecks and safety concerns have necessitated the expansion of road infrastructure in the region, particularly during peak tourist and pilgrimage seasons.
Addressing concerns raised by conservationists, NHAI stated that the alignment has been developed following detailed environmental assessments and consultations with relevant authorities. The project incorporates several mitigation measures intended to minimise disturbance to wildlife movement and reduce ecological fragmentation.
Among the key provisions are dedicated wildlife underpasses and animal crossings at identified movement corridors. The authority said these structures have been planned based on wildlife movement patterns to enable safe passage for animals without disrupting traffic flow. Noise barriers and controlled lighting have also been proposed in selected stretches to minimise disturbance to surrounding habitats.
NHAI further stated that speed management measures, protective fencing and appropriate road signage will be introduced near wildlife-sensitive zones to reduce the risk of vehicle-animal collisions. Construction activities will also be regulated to limit environmental disturbance, with contractors required to comply with conditions laid down under environmental and forest clearances.
The authority emphasised that the project has been designed to comply with statutory requirements prescribed by environmental and wildlife agencies. It added that approvals have involved multiple stages of technical scrutiny, with mitigation measures incorporated as part of the project's environmental management framework.
Environmental organisations have expressed concerns that road expansion in the area could affect wildlife habitats and movement corridors associated with the Rajaji landscape. They have sought greater scrutiny of the project's ecological impact and called for strict implementation of mitigation measures during both construction and operation.
NHAI, however, maintains that the project demonstrates how transport infrastructure can be developed alongside environmental safeguards. The authority said continuous monitoring during construction and operation will help ensure that wildlife protection measures remain effective while the highway delivers improved connectivity, enhanced road safety and reduced travel time for commuters travelling between Dehradun, Rishikesh and adjoining regions.
Source PIB
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
