Maharashtra's forest department makes wildlife-friendly underpasses a must

Linear projects passing protected areas need underpasses of 4 mtrs width and 3 mtrs height, experts say dimensions small.

As several instances have been reported in the past of wild animals getting killed while crossing the highways and roads close to national parks, forests or wildlife sanctuaries, the state forest department has made construction of underpasses in future projects mandatory.

Linear projects passing close to Protected Areas, Tiger Reserves, Wildlife Corridors and other such areas will now have underpasses with minimum dimensions of 4 metres width and 3 metres height, and at maximum 2 km apart.

This was conveyed by the office of the principal chief conservator of forests (head of forest force) Maharashtra to the collector of all the districts in the state, the Public Works Department, national parks, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.

Maharashtra s forest department makes wildlife friendly underpasses a must - news

 

I would like to see such a policy mandated in every other Indian state (ie Assam, Kerala and Gujarat etc.)