The National Board for Wildlife’s Standing Committee has approved the diversion of 310 hectares of forest land from the core area of Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. This clearance is for the construction of the Arunachal Frontier Highway (NH-913). The decision has sparked concerns over environmental impact and wildlife protection measures.
Project Overview and Location
The highway will pass through Changlang district, linking NH-215 near Kharsang to the Miao-Gandhigram-Vijaynagar road. This route forms part of the strategic NH-913 corridor near the India-Myanmar border. The Arunachal Pradesh Public Works Department requested 248.79 hectares for road widening and 61.21 hectares for muck disposal.
Environmental Concerns and Tree Felling
The project will result in the felling of approximately 155,000 trees. This includes poles and undergrowth typical of tropical forests. Critics question the need for such extensive widening from 3.5 metres to intermediate laning. The justification for this scale of tree loss remains unclear to some committee members.
Wildlife Mitigation Measures
Initial mitigation proposals include animal underpasses. However, these are considered rudimentary and based on generic Public Works Department designs. The plan lacks detailed, site-specific research on wildlife movement. Experts stress the need for scientifically designed overpasses and underpasses tailored to actual animal crossing patterns.
Role of the Wildlife Institute of India
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive animal passage plan within three months. This plan will be research-based and site-specific. It aims to reduce the highway’s impact on wildlife and preserve habitat connectivity.
Committee Deliberations and Decision
Despite concerns, the committee agreed to approve the proposal. They emphasised that the WII’s study will guide mitigation efforts. The committee also approved forest land use in Andhra Pradesh for a four-lane highway near protected areas, including tiger corridors and eco-sensitive zones.
Strategic Importance vs Environmental Protection
Members acknowledged the strategic significance of the highway for national security and regional connectivity. However, they underlined the need for balancing development with ecological preservation. The committee recommended re-examining the animal passage plan to align it with ground realities.
Future Monitoring and Implementation
The state government has committed to implementing the wildlife mitigation plan prepared by WII. The committee’s approval is conditional on robust, practical measures to safeguard wildlife. Continuous monitoring and adaptive management will be essential during construction and operation.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the challenges of balancing infrastructure development and wildlife conservation in India, with examples from tiger reserves.
- Explain the significance of eco-sensitive zones and tiger corridors in biodiversity conservation. How do infrastructure projects impact these zones?
- What are the key factors to consider in designing wildlife mitigation measures for highways? Discuss with reference to animal passage structures.
- With suitable examples, comment on the strategic importance of border infrastructure projects in India and their environmental implications.
