Three flyovers with elephant underpasses to prevent human-wildlife conflict
Overcoming various area specific issues and challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has executed a number of important projects in the Dehradun region. The NHAI general manager (Technical) and project director, Vibhav Mittal said that the Teenpani, Laltappar and Motichur flyovers constructed by NHAI also include elephant underpass to enable the pachyderms and other wildlife cross without facing any disturbance or danger from the vehicular traffic. The underpasses will ensure that movements of both the vehicular traffic and wildlife are not affected by each other at these sites. Apart from this, the elevated structure constructed at Mayapuri is also being fitted with theme lighting on the wall and girders which is a first among the authority’s projects in Uttarakhand. Paintings on the theme of Kumbh Mela to be held in Haridwar this year are also being incorporated.
Speaking about the challenges faced by the NHAI in execution of about a dozen projects, he said that in case of the projects passing through forest areas, work was not permitted after 6 PM lest the wildlife be disturbed. Some technical issues were also faced in securing permits for crushers and mining which resulted in issues related to procuring material for the construction works. Unseasonal rain also affected the works. The advent of the Covid pandemic presented additional problems. However, the authority ensured timely payment to its contractors so that the work was not affected. Mittal said, “Despite various challenging situations the NHAI managed to execute the projects. We were charged up to ensure completion of the works in time for the Haridwar Kumbh Mela.”
The flyovers constructed by the authority like the one near Shantikunj in Haridwar on national highway 58 have resolved long standing traffic issues. Nearly a dozen projects have been undertaken by NHAI in the region and more are planned in the near future.
Wednesday, 10 February 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
