NHAI transfers ₹6.96 crore for elephant passages to reduce human-elephant conflict
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biodiversity & conservation· Prelims·
Wildlife corridors and infrastructure interventions: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study.
Why in news
The NHAI transferred ₹6.96 crore to the Keralam Forest Department to construct elephant passages along NH 85 to mitigate human-elephant conflict.
Background
The project involves constructing three underpasses, culverts, and an over-bridge along the Munnar–Bodimettu section of NH 85. An expert panel including P.S. Easa and Rajan Pilakandy is tasked with submitting a report to reduce conflict near Mathikettan Shola National Park.
Facts for Prelims
- FactNHAI transferred ₹6.96 crore for the construction of elephant passages
- EnvironmentMathikettan Shola National Park is a site for human-elephant conflict mitigation
- BodyNHAI (National Highways Authority of India) is the funding body for the infrastructure
Prelims practice question
Which National Park is the site for the human-elephant conflict mitigation project involving the construction of elephant passages?
- (a)Mathikettan Shola National Park
- (b)Periyar National Park
- (c)Silent Valley National Park
- (d)Mudumalai National Park
Show answer
Answer: (a) Mathikettan Shola National Park — The note specifies that the project aims to reduce conflict near Mathikettan Shola National Park.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the importance of wildlife corridors and infrastructure interventions in mitigating human-wildlife conflict in ecologically sensitive zones of India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological fragmentation: Habitat isolation caused by linear infrastructure like NH 85 disrupting migratory paths
- Policy trade-off: Balancing rapid infrastructure development with the preservation of biodiversity and local safety
- Institutional coordination: Need for integrated planning between NHAI and Forest Departments for wildlife-friendly engineering
Keywords: Human-wildlife conflict · Wildlife corridors · Habitat fragmentation · Biodiversity conservation · Infrastructure planning
More Environment & Ecology notes
- Eastern Ghats fire activity increased 9% annually over 20-year satellite study · 21 October 2026
- CAQM invokes Stage 1 GRAP as Delhi's AQI reaches 244 at 2 pm · 21 October 2026
- NGT restrains BDA from felling 1,128 trees for Hebbal Short Tunnel Project · 20 October 2026
- Delhi records 17.1°C minimum temperature as ICAR-IARI records 98 stubble-burning events · 19 October 2026
- Devikulam committee to study elephant fodder after 4 deaths in 4 months · 19 October 2026
- Survey adds 36 new species including 24 Western Ghats endemics to sanctuary records · 19 October 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.