A large animal corridor exists between Seoni (Madhya Pradesh) and Nagpur (Maharashtra) sector of the National Highway 44 (NH44). The entire stretch passes through the Pench Tiger reserve.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), had constructed a four-lane road stretching for 117 km to connect the two sectors. To prevent the disruption of animal movements, a 750 meter long underpass has been built exclusively for wild animals. As per the latest reports, the underpass is said to be the world's longest highway underpass.
How many animals are currently availing the underpass?
Camera traps fixed on the pillars of the nine underpasses between March and December, have captured 5450 images of animals moving through the entire stretch. There were pictures of tigers, leopards, wild dogs, chitals, Indian bisons, wild pigs, jungle cats and porcupines.
As per the reports by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), 11 tigers mostly five adult males, three adult females and three sub-adults have been utilising the amazing facility for movement.
Interesting observations at the underpasses
During the tenure between March and December, several interesting moments of the animals have been captured by the camera traps. A pack of wild dogs was filmed hunting a spotted deer. At night, the underpasses were mostly being used by a leopard, a gaur, a sloth bear, civet cats, and many langurs.
Some move in groups and some solo. They either take a nap, play with their pack members, hunt or use the underpasses for moving to different parts of the forest.
The WII has confirmed that about 18 species of animals have used the underpasses for movement in this duration.
Decision that led to the creation of the underpasses
The 117 km road stretch was about to start in 2009 as per the contract approved by the NHAI. But several protests poured in from several animal activists group to protect the animals in the corridor.
Yielding to the demands, the NHAI decided and agreed to construct guide walls and nine underpasses of 50 meter to 750 meter in width along with the highway.
The underpasses will truly prevent any unprecedented accidents of animals. Besides, smooth movement of animals will be facilitated allowing them to freely stroll around in their natural habitat.
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