No incident of killing wild animals in road accidents on national highways reported in last 3 yrs

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said no incident of killing wild animals in road accidents on National Highways has been reported by the implementing agencies of the road ministry in the last three years.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Gadkari said development activities on NHs passing through wildlife sanctuaries / national parks are generally avoided, and wherever possible, a bypass/detour is proposed so that there is the minimum impact of highways on the wildlife habitat.

''No incident of killing of wild animals in road accidents on NHs has been reported by the implementing agencies of MoRTH during the last three years in the country,'' the road transport and highways minister said.

According to Gadkari, if it is absolutely unavoidable then all necessary clearances required under statutory norms are obtained before any work is undertaken in such areas and measures are taken as per the manuals and guidelines of forest and wildlife authorities and relevant IRC codes.

''The various measures that are taken include installation of road signs, speed calming measures, provision for the construction of animal underpass at pre-defined locations, fencing at the edge of Right of Way, etc. ''Further, for Expressways, fencing is made mandatory on either side of the road also,'' he noted.