Recently, the news of India’s first animal bridges in the Delhi-Mumbai expressway impressed environmentalists in this country. These animal bridges built along the lines of the Netherlands will provide wildlife, a safe passageway. And now, Uttarakhand constructed a unique eco-friendly bridge to help reptiles cross the jungle road safely. Built-in the Ramnagar forest division of Nanital district the 90-feet long bridge made of bamboo, jute and grass can assist reptiles, small animals and even leopards to cross the jungle road without getting hit by vehicles. Read on to know more.
Uttarakhand Builds A Reptile Bridge In Nainital To Help Animals Cross Jungle Safely
The Uttarakhand Forest Department constructed a unique eco-bridge for reptiles to cross the busy jungle road without getting hit by vehicles. An Indian Express report states that this bridge was built across the Kaladhungi-Nainital highway in just 10 days, costing ₹2 lakhs. The structure is 90-feet long, 5-feet wide and 40-feet high. Made out of jute, bamboo and grass, it can withstand the weight of 3 adult humans. Apart from reptiles, the forest department hopes even small animals and leopards can use this to cross to the other side of the jungle. The bridge will have creeper layered with grass and leaves to attract and protect small animals. Infact, forest staff will patrol the area to maker sure tourists don’t use this bridge for clicking selfies.
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Bridge To Have 4 Camera Traps For Monitoring Purposes & Tourists Can’t Click Selfies On Bridge
A forest official stated to the Indian Express “This is a dense forest, and elephants, leopards, deer, and blue bulls move in this area. Drivers can see them from some distance and slow down or stop, but they rarely do for snakes, lizards, monitors, or squirrels.” Chandra Sekhar Joshi, Ramnagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) threw more light on this bridge to the Indian Express.
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He informed that they constructed this bridge to provide a safe pathway for reptiles from vehicles driven from both sides of the road. Joshi further revealed that they set up 4 camera traps on the bridge for monitoring purposes. And since the Kaladhungi-Nainital highway is a very busy road especially during tourism season, it’s essential that the reptiles like python, monitor lizards don’t get run over. So, if you’re an animal lover, visit Uttarkhand’s Jim Corbett National Park for an adventurous experience.