Elephants Successfully Use Bengaluru's First Wildlife Overpass
In a significant breakthrough for wildlife conservation, forest officials have documented elephants crossing Karnataka's inaugural elephant overpass. This structure is located on NH-209 near Tataguni, effectively connecting fragmented forest habitats on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The event marks a pivotal moment in efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in the region.
Overpass Connects Bannerghatta and Savandurga Forests
Constructed by the National Highways Authority of India, the wildlife overpass serves as a critical corridor for safe elephant movement. It links Bannerghatta National Park with the Savandurga forests in Ramanagara district, spanning across the heavily trafficked highway. This design aims to facilitate uninterrupted wildlife migration while reducing the risks associated with road crossings.
Mystery of Elephant Movement Near Highway Solved
Forest officials had previously observed elephant activity in areas such as Anepalya and BM Kaval but were puzzled by the absence of dung or footprints on the road. This raised questions about how the animals were navigating the busy highway safely. To investigate, the Bengaluru Urban forest division installed camera traps along the overpass to monitor and confirm wildlife usage.
Camera Traps Capture Tusker Crossing
The camera traps successfully recorded a tusker walking across the overpass at 3:58 am on a Sunday, providing official confirmation that elephants have begun utilizing the structure. This evidence validates the overpass's purpose in preventing dangerous highway crossings and promoting safer wildlife transit.
Overpass Completed in 2024 with Significant Investment
Completed in 2024 at a cost exceeding ₹20 crore, the wildlife overpass was specifically designed to enhance animal safety and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. The investment underscores a commitment to integrating conservation efforts with infrastructure development in Karnataka.
Forest-Like Habitat Encourages Wildlife Movement
Under the guidance of forest officer N Ravindra Kumar, the overpass was transformed into a natural habitat by planting slopes, bamboo, and fruit-bearing trees. This ecological enhancement aims to encourage not only elephants but also leopards and other wildlife to use the structure, fostering a more seamless connection between forested areas.
