The Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is not just set to enhance rapid and convenient connectivity between the two cities, but is also turning into a model for wildlife conservation. A 14-kilometre-long underpass constructed beneath the expressway has begun registering significant movement of wild animals, including elephants and deer, as captured by camera traps installed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
As per forest officials, the underpass is currently witnessing moderate wildlife activity, which is expected to increase once the expressway is fully closed off from the lower path. The plan for the underpass was conceived after WII conducted a thorough study of wildlife movement in the area. Based on their findings, the National Highways Authority of India constructed the 14-km-long wildlife corridor as part of the expressway project, though the road itself is yet to be formally opened.
To monitor animal activity, WII installed 160 camera traps along the underpass. These traps have successfully recorded images of elephants, herds of elephants, deer, and sambar using the passage. Many of these photos were taken during dusk and night hours.
WII scientist Dr. Bilal Habib stated that the presence of elephants and other species in the camera footage is a very positive sign and demonstrates the corridor’s effectiveness. Forest officials and researchers are hopeful that once vehicular traffic begins using the expressway exclusively, wildlife movement through the underpass will only grow stronger.
