Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to lay the foundation stone for three national highway projects in Chhattisgarh, which are designed to be wildlife-friendly. These projects are part of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam corridor, a six-lane greenfield highway. One of the key features of these highways will be a 2.8-kilometer tunnel equipped with 27 animal passes and 17 monkey canopies to facilitate unrestricted movement of wildlife in the Udanti Wildlife Sanctuary area.
The aim of these projects is to minimize the impact of highway development on wildlife, a vision that Prime Minister Modi has championed. Multiple highway development projects across India have already incorporated infrastructure that ensures the safe passage of wild animals. For instance, the Delhi-Dehradun economic corridor includes Asia’s largest elevated wildlife corridor, spanning 12 kilometers, for the seamless movement of wildlife. In December 2021, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for this groundbreaking project.
Across India, there are 51 similar projects that have incorporated specialized structures to facilitate the unhindered movement of wildlife. These initiatives highlight the importance of coexisting with the natural environment and prioritizing the preservation of wildlife habitats.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh on July 7, followed by visits to Telangana and Rajasthan the following day. In Raipur, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for ten projects totaling approximately Rs 7,600 crore.
The focus on wildlife-friendly infrastructure and the commitment to minimizing the impact of development on the environment signifies the government’s dedication to sustainable progress. By integrating these measures into highway projects, the government is demonstrating its commitment to preserving natural habitats and promoting the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife.
The upcoming visits of Prime Minister Modi to various states suggest a proactive approach in addressing developmental needs and ensuring that progress aligns with environmental conservation. These visits not only underscore the government’s commitment to infrastructure development but also highlight the importance of striking a balance between growth and the protection of natural resources.
As these projects progress, they will undoubtedly have a positive impact on wildlife conservation efforts in the region. By prioritizing the safe passage of animals through the construction of tunnels, animal passes, and monkey canopies, the highways will help preserve the ecological balance and mitigate the disruption caused by human activities.
The establishment of wildlife-friendly infrastructure not only benefits wildlife but also serves the larger goal of promoting ecotourism. It creates opportunities for people to observe and appreciate the natural beauty of these areas while ensuring the protection and welfare of the animal inhabitants.
The foundation-laying ceremony for these national highway projects in Chhattisgarh marks another stride towards sustainable development in India. As the country continues to prioritize the environment and wildlife conservation, it sets an example for the rest of the world to follow. The integration of wildlife-friendly infrastructure into these projects is a testament to the government’s commitment to preserving India’s diverse ecosystems and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
Overall, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Chhattisgarh and the foundation stone-laying ceremony for these wildlife-friendly highway projects reflect the government’s dedication to creating infrastructure that strikes a balance between development and environmental conservation. Such initiatives reinforce India’s commitment to sustainable progress and serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
