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Road widening of NH48 a threat to wildlife: Experts

Stretch is frequently used by animals including leopards for crossing over

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Experts raise concern over lack of planning for wildlife
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The on-going road widening work along the two kilometre stretch between Fountain hotel and Kashmira Naka, which is part of the NH8- Mumbai Ahmedabad highway project has left wildlife experts as well as enthusiasts worried. Several portions along this stretch are frequently used by wildlife including leopards for crossing over, and lack of any safe passage post the widening will increase their chances of being run over.

As per the forest department on an average around two leopards get killed annually and several get injured while crossing highways along NH48, Ghodbunder road, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. SGNP and adjoining areas as per the 2018 population estimation has 47 leopards.

A conservationist raising serious concerns over the lack of planning for wildlife crossing, said that there are two to three prominent locations from where leopards regularly cross to move towards Ghodbunder gaon in search of prey. "A two-year-old female leopard was found dead after being hit by a speeding vehicle between Delhi Darbar hotel and Fountain hotel in October 2017, which itself is a proof of leopard movement along this stretch. There might be more cases of death and injury that go undetected," he said stating that it was sad that the forest department was conveniently ignoring the once the threats to wildlife once the highway is widened.

Stating that he was shocked to see the road widening work being done without any concern for wildlife crossing, social activist Gopal Jhaveri along with activist and politician Vikram Chogle who visited the spot on Monday, now plan to take up this issue with the officials at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).

"Post road widening the number of vehicles will also increase so will the speeds, which will put leopards and other wildlife at greater risks than before of being hit. A proper study by experts needs to be carried out to suggest mitigation measures," said Chogle.

"Mitigation measures has been planned in other roads and projects in Maharashtra state and these surely can also be implemented to safeguard wildlife in Mumbai city as well," said Dr Vidya Athreya, scientist at Wildlife Conservation Society India.

BIG CONCERN

As per the forest department on an average around two leopards get killed annually and several get injured while crossing highways along NH48, Ghodbunder road, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. SGNP and adjoining areas as per the 2018 population estimation has 47 leopards.

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