Bridging Nature: Underpasses Enhance Wildlife Safety on Rishikesh's New Four-Lane Route

Four underpasses will be constructed as part of a new four-lane road from Rishikesh to Jheelwala. These underpasses aim to promote safe wildlife movement and reduce human-wildlife conflict. The project involves significant coordination between forest and public works officials and strategic environmental initiatives.

The National Highway Authority is set to transform the two-lane road from Rishikesh to Jheelwala into a four-lane highway, a Rs 600 crore project. Key to this development will be the construction of four underpasses designed to protect wildlife, enabling them to traverse the forest safely and without human disruption.

Divisional Forest Officer Neeraj Sharma revealed that the first phase of the 20-km project has received federal approval, with 10 km passing through critical wildlife corridors. A scientific study identified these routes, especially after historic incidents involving human-animal conflicts, such as a rogue elephant incident a decade ago.

This infrastructure not only secures safe passage for elephants and other wildlife but also seeks to minimize potential conflicts. While afforestation efforts will assist in maintaining forest covers, necessary deforestation will occur. Public Works Chief Engineer Rajesh Sharma highlighted the dual use of underpasses in populated and forested areas.