Context:
The Government has proposed a 34.5 km elevated corridor in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, costing about ₹6,950 crore, to reduce wildlife deaths caused by vehicular traffic on National Highway 715.
Key Highlights:
Project Overview
• 34.5 km elevated corridor planned along NH-715 passing through Kaziranga.
• Project cost estimated at ₹6,950 crore.
• Includes 30.22 km road upgrades and 21 km greenfield bypasses.
Purpose of the Corridor
• Allow safe animal movement beneath the elevated roadway.
• Reduce vehicle collisions with wildlife (roadkill mortality).
• Facilitate animal migration during seasonal floods.
Ecological Importance
• The corridor connects Kaziranga National Park with the Karbi Anglong Hills, an important wildlife refuge during floods.
Extent of Wildlife Mortality
• A 2022 study recorded over 6,000 animal deaths due to vehicle collisions on this highway.
Concerns
• Potential construction disturbances to wildlife habitats.
• Need for careful environmental management during implementation.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Kaziranga National Park
- Located in Assam.
- Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985).
- Hosts the largest population of the One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).
- Wildlife Corridor
- Natural pathway allowing animal movement between fragmented habitats.
- Roadkill Mortality
- Death of animals due to collisions with vehicles on roads and highways.
- Karbi Anglong Hills
- Important highland refuge for animals during Brahmaputra floods.
Relevant Mains Points:
Infrastructure–Conservation Conflict
• Highways passing through protected areas disrupt animal migration routes.
• Increased traffic leads to wildlife mortality and habitat fragmentation.
Importance of Wildlife Corridors
• Maintain genetic connectivity among wildlife populations.
• Allow animals to escape floods or seasonal habitat changes.
Way Forward
• Promote eco-sensitive infrastructure such as wildlife overpasses and underpasses.
• Strengthen speed regulations and monitoring inside protected areas.
• Integrate environmental impact assessments in infrastructure planning.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper III – Environment and Biodiversity Conservation
• GS Paper I – Geography (Protected areas and ecosystems)
• Prelims – Kaziranga National Park, Wildlife Corridors