Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 13 Apr: Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal addressed a press conference here today in respect of the environmental aspects of Delhi-Dehradun Expressway schooled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow. During the interaction with the media, Uniyal asserted that the elevated wildlife corridor on the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway is set to become a protective shield for wildlife and also claimed that the corridor is also expected to significantly reduce human–wildlife conflict in the area. The Press Conference was held at the State Forest Headquarters here today.
Uniyal also reminded that the 12-kilometre elevated corridor is considered the longest of its kind in Asia and that it would emerge as a model example of balancing development with ecological preservation.
Uniyal spoke about the ecological and environmental benefits associated with the project. He reminded that the final 20-kilometre stretch of the project passes through dense forest areas of the Shivalik Forest Division, the Rajaji Tiger Reserve and the Dehradun Forest Division. He described the project as a significant example of achieving a balance between infrastructure development and environmental protection.
Uniyal also emphasised that the elevated corridor will substantially reduce human–wildlife conflict while promoting safe and uninterrupted movement of wildlife. The structure will also enable improved genetic exchange between animal populations, which is crucial for biodiversity conservation. He also claimed that the wildlife corridor will help cut carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 240 million tonnes over the next 20 years, equivalent to the absorption capacity of approximately 60–68 lakh trees, while also enabling an estimated 19 per cent saving in fuel while passing through the corridor.
The Minister claimed that extensive compensatory afforestation has been undertaken in lieu of the forest land diverted for the project in both Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. A total of 165.5 hectares of land has been covered under compensatory afforestation, and that 1.95 lakh saplings have been planted. He also reminded that under the directions of the Supreme Court Monitoring Committee, additional eco-restoration measures are also being implemented with an extra allocation of Rs 40 crores to strengthen forest and wildlife conservation in the region.
Uniyal said the project includes an elevated wildlife corridor stretching nearly 12 kilometres, designed specifically to ensure safe movement of wild animals. The project incorporates elephant underpasses and dedicated wildlife passages to allow unhindered animal movement. He added that during construction, wildlife safety was accorded top priority and several precautionary measures, including the installation of sound and light barriers, have been adopted to minimise disturbance to animals from noise and light pollution. He also noted that a large number of wild animals including the leopards, elephants, antelopes have been trapped by the cameras installed under the elevated corridor.
The Forest Minister said that beyond environmental benefits, the project will also reduce travel time and boost tourism, trade and local employment, thereby strengthening the regional economy. Among those who were present at the press conference included Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and HoFF RK Mishra and other senior forest department officials.
Highlighting the environmental gains achieved through technology, the Minister reminded that earlier the initial estimates had suggested that nearly 45,000 trees would need to be felled for the project, the application of scientific planning and advanced engineering methods has saved 33,840 trees. He said that only 11,160 trees had to be cut during construction, far fewer than initially anticipated.
