Dehradun: As the construction of Delhi-Dehradun expressway in in its last leg and soon to be opened for public, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) plans to install special non-scattering lights to protect the wildlife in Rajaji and Shivalik forest divisions. NHAI is to install special lights on the elevated road of the Dehradun-Delhi expressway to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
After conducting a study, scientists at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, recommended these lights. The Dehradun-Delhi Expressway runs through the Rajaji and Shivalik forest divisions. To mitigate the impact on wildlife movement, a 12 km long elevated road has been constructed here.
Wildlife protection efforts
NHAI is preparing to install special lights on the six-lane elevated road of the Dehradun-Delhi expressway to minimize the impact on wildlife, especially nocturnal animals. These lights are designed so that their illumination won’t extend into the forest. Scientists at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, conducted a study and decided on these lights. The Dehradun-Delhi Expressway passes through Rajaji and Shivalik forest divisions, so a 12 km long elevated road was constructed to maintain the wildlife movement.
Noise reduction
Additionally, sound barriers have been installed on the elevated road to reduce the noise of vehicles. These barriers will ensure that the sound of vehicles passing on the road does not reach the forest area. Vehicles will travel above, while wildlife can move below freely. Sound barriers have been installed to reduce vehicle noise affecting wildlife.
Special light installation
The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) sought help from the Wildlife Institute of India before installing the lights. For three months, scientists tested different lights and chose non-scattering lights that will keep the light focused only on the flyover. NHAI plans to install 800 of these lights. This initiative ensures the safety of wildlife and reduces human impact on their natural habitat. The goal is to harmonize development and environmental protection, giving priority to wildlife conservation in areas like Rajaji and Shivalik forest divisions.
Wildlife conservation
The Rajaji and Shivalik forest divisions are known for their biodiversity, home to elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, and many other wildlife species. Protecting these animals during highway construction is crucial. This project shows how modern development can balance with environmental conservation, preserving the natural habitat of wildlife and promoting harmony between humans and nature.
