New Delhi/Dehradun: The Delhi–Dehradun wildlife corridor study has shown how modern highways can safely coexist with nature. A joint study by NHAI and WII highlights the success of wildlife mitigation measures on the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor. The research confirms that underpasses and elevated corridors are helping animals move safely, reducing human-animal conflict while protecting biodiversity. This study is based on official data released by PIB.
Key Highlights of the Delhi–Dehradun Wildlife Corridor Study
- Study conducted on an 18 km stretch between Ganeshpur and Asharodi
- Around 40,444 wildlife images recorded
- 18 different wild species used the underpasses
- Includes animals like elephants, tigers, deer, jackals, and primates
- Shows that highways can be made wildlife-friendly
Where Was the Delhi–Dehradun Wildlife Corridor Study Conducted?
The research focused on the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, especially the forest-rich region between Ganeshpur and Asharodi.
This area lies in the Shivalik landscape, which is home to endangered and sensitive wildlife species.
The corridor includes:
- Animal underpasses (for safe crossing)
- Elevated highway sections (to avoid disturbing wildlife routes)
How the Delhi–Dehradun Wildlife Corridor Study Was Done
Researchers used advanced monitoring techniques over 40 days:
- 150 high-tech camera traps
- 29 audio recording devices
These tools captured:
- Wildlife movement
- Animal behavior
- Traffic noise impact
In total, over 111,000 images were analyzed, including humans, vehicles, and animals.
Wildlife Movement Observations
The study found that many species are actively using the underpasses:
- Golden Jackal – most frequently recorded
- Nilgai and Sambar deer – regular users
- Elephants – safely crossed multiple times
- Primates and birds – also used the structures
This proves that even large animals like elephants can adapt to these crossings.
Why Underpasses and Elevated Corridors Matter
The findings clearly show:
- They reduce road accidents involving animals
- They help maintain natural migration routes
- They lower human-wildlife conflict
- They protect ecosystem balance
This is a big step toward sustainable infrastructure development in India.
Impact of Noise on Wildlife
One important discovery was about traffic noise:
- Animals like jackals adapted to noisy areas
- Sensitive animals like elephants preferred quiet zones
This suggests future highways should include noise reduction systems to improve wildlife safety.
Engineering Achievements
- Total elevated corridor length: 10.97 km
- Height: 6–7 meters (enough for large mammals)
- One of the largest wildlife-friendly highway designs in Asia
Environmental Benefits
The project helps in:
- Preventing habitat fragmentation
- Maintaining ecological connectivity
- Protecting endangered species
- Supporting long-term biodiversity conservation
Government’s Future Plan
NHAI aims to:
- Use data-driven planning for future highways
- Expand wildlife mitigation structures
- Balance infrastructure growth with environmental protection
Read also: Inside India’s Record-Breaking Highway Project: NHAI’s Four Guinness World Records Explained
