Relevance for UPSC: GS Paper III – Environment, Infrastructure & Conservation
Source: The Assam Tribune; Wildlife Institute of India; NBWL
The proposed 35-kilometre elevated corridor in Kaziranga National Park (KNP) is set to transform wildlife conservation in Assam by allowing safe and uninterrupted animal movement across the busy National Highway passing through the park. The project aims to reduce wildlife fatalities caused by vehicle hits and enhance ecological connectivity between fragmented habitats.
About the Project
The Kaziranga elevated corridor will cover all nine identified animal corridors in and around the park.
Constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), it will be designed to facilitate free movement of animals such as elephants, deer, and rhinos — especially during floods, when animals migrate to higher grounds.
Every day, nearly 5,000–6,000 vehicles pass through the stretch, posing a serious threat to wildlife. The elevated design will keep vehicles and animals on separate levels, ensuring minimal disturbance to animal pathways.
Conservation and Environmental Safeguards
The proposal has received clearance from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
Strict guidelines include:
- No construction during flood season.
- Noise and pollution control measures to protect wildlife.
- Continuous monitoring of animal movement during the construction phase.
Earlier, the WII had approved this idea almost 20 years ago, but it was delayed due to lack of suitable technology.
Significance: Prevents vehicle-animal collisions, enhances habitat connectivity between Kaziranga and Karbi Anglong hills, demonstrates India’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure. Successful models from Ranthambore and Bandipur show that elevated corridors can balance conservation and connectivity.
The Nine Identified Animal Corridors of Kaziranga National Park
| No. | Name of Corridor | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Panbari Corridor | Located near Bokakhat; connects Panbari Reserve Forest to Kaziranga; vital for elephants and smaller mammals. |
| 2 | Haldibari Corridor | Near Bagori range; used by elephants, rhinos, and deer during monsoon; faces heavy vehicular disturbance. |
| 3 | Kanchanjuri Corridor | One of the busiest corridors; elephants and swamp deer often cross here. |
| 4 | Harmati Corridor | Critical link to Karbi Anglong hills; affected by encroachment. |
| 5 | Deosur–Nagaon Corridor | Transitional passage for herbivores; fragmented by agriculture. |
| 6 | Chirang Corridor | Used by deer, wild boars, elephants; requires vegetation recovery. |
| 7 | Amguri Corridor | Key elephant route; connects to Karbi Anglong via forest foothills. |
| 8 | Hatidandi Corridor | Traditional elephant movement route during floods. |
| 9 | Kanchanjuri–Panbari Extension Corridor | Newly recognised linkage ensuring continuity between fragmented corridors. |
UPSC Prelims Practice Question
Q. With reference to the proposed elevated corridor in Kaziranga National Park, consider the following statements:
- It aims to cover all nine animal corridors in the park.
- The project is being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India.
- Construction will continue even during the monsoon season to expedite completion.
Select the correct code:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
One-line wrap:
The Kaziranga elevated corridor marks a new chapter in India’s conservation journey — where roads rise higher so that wildlife can move freely.
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Start Yours at Ajmal IAS – with Mentorship StrategyDisciplineClarityResults that Drives Success
Your dream deserves this moment — begin it here.
