Relevance: GS III (Environment – Conservation & Infrastructure) | Source: The Hindu / PIB

1. The Human Context: A Peace Treaty for Nature

For decades, the highway cutting through Assam has been a “killer stretch” for wildlife. Every monsoon, as floodwaters rise, animals desperate to reach higher ground are struck by speeding vehicles.

The Prime Minister has now launched a solution: the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor. This ₹7,000 crore project acts as a “peace treaty”—allowing cars to fly above, while Rhinos and Elephants walk safely below.

2. The Ecological Dilemma (The “Why”)

To understand the project, you must understand the landscape:

• The Geography: Kaziranga National Park is a floodplain sandwiched between the Brahmaputra River (North) and the Karbi Anglong Hills (South).
• The Cycle: Every year, the river floods (essential for the grass). To survive, animals must migrate south to the Karbi Anglong hills.
• The Barrier: The existing National Highway-715 (Old NH-37) acts as a wall, blocking this ancient migration route.

3. The Solution: India’s Largest “Eco-Bridge”

• The Design: The project includes a 35-km elevated flyover. It raises the highway high above the ground, effectively removing the barrier.
• The Result: It restores the natural Animal Corridors. Animals can now migrate to the hills during floods without ever stepping on the tarmac.

UPSC Value Box

Q. With reference to the ecosystem of Kaziranga National Park, consider the following statements:

1. The park is characterized by a floodplain ecosystem dominated by the Brahmaputra River.
2. The Karbi Anglong hills located to the south serve as a natural highland refuge for wildlife during monsoons.
3. It is the only national park in India that is home to the “Big Five” species (Rhino, Tiger, Elephant, Wild Buffalo, Swamp Deer).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (d)