Uttarakhand to Construct Four Underpasses on Rishikesh-Jheelwala Route for Wildlife Safety

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To ensure the safe movement of wildlife and reduce human-animal conflicts, four underpasses will be constructed along a new four-lane road from Rishikesh to Jheelwala in Ranipokhari, officials announced. The project, approved by the central government, aims to facilitate seamless wildlife passage without human interference.

Currently, a two-lane road connects Rishikesh to Jheelwala. The National Highway Authority plans to expand this into a four-lane highway within the next two years, with an estimated cost of ₹600 crore. According to Neeraj Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Dehradun, the first phase of the project, spanning 20 km, has received official clearance. A significant portion—10 km—of the proposed highway will pass through forest areas in Rishikesh and Barkot range of the Dehradun Forest Division.

Underpasses to Minimize Human-Wildlife Conflict

The four planned underpasses will be constructed along a three-kilometer stretch of the road, ensuring safe movement for elephants and other wild animals. A scientific study by the Dehradun Forest Division identified traditional animal corridors frequently used by wild elephants, guiding the placement of these underpasses.

Officials believe this initiative will significantly reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Historical data indicates that a decade ago, a male elephant in the area was responsible for trampling and killing 18 people over a span of 18 months. By creating dedicated wildlife passages, authorities hope to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Balancing Infrastructure and Conservation

The remaining 10 km of the project will traverse private lands, with the Forest Department planning afforestation efforts to compensate for environmental impact. Around 40 hectares of non-forest land will be transferred to the Mussoorie Forest Division, where tree planting and maintenance will continue for a decade to enhance green cover.

Rajesh Sharma, Chief Engineer of the Uttarakhand Public Works Department, emphasized that underpasses are a standard inclusion in road projects, particularly in forest areas, to facilitate safe movement for wildlife.

However, the project will require the felling of approximately 3,000 trees in the Rishikesh and Barkot range of the Dehradun Forest Division. Authorities have assured that afforestation measures will be implemented to mitigate the ecological impact.

Sources By Agencies

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