Keonjhar: The mowing down of three elephants on NH-20 has brought into focus the safety of wild animals again. Scores of wild animals have died in NH-20 road accidents. The road has turned out to be a death trap for wild animals.
Experts were of the view that if more ‘animal underpasses’ had been constructed on the road then wild animals would not be facing such fate.
The road is seen as a faulty one by wildlife experts. The death of three elephants is not the only case that has happened on the road. In the last few months, accidents have claimed a bear, a boar and other animals on the road at Naranpur and Palaspanga.
Wildlife experts have expressed displeasure over the incidents. Interestingly, DFO Santosh Joshi said there are underpasses on the road but elephants were crossing the road at another end when the mishap occurred.
Experts say there is a need for building underpasses on roads passing through reserve forests, but this has not been done along NH-20.
The NH-20 passes near reserve forests at Attei, Balibandh, Tangarani, Naranpur, Barabanaka and Kanto. These are the most vulnerable places where wild animals face the danger of being mowed down by vehicles.
Four-laning of the road has added to their inconvenience. Although some underpasses were built, more are needed at the above places.
The underpasses are aimed at facilitating the free movement of animals from one side of the road to the other near reserve forests.
Another problem on NH-20 is that it has a height of up to 10 to 15 feet from the ground at some places. This has become a problem for wild animals in crossing the road.
Wildlife experts have also demanded restrictions on the speed of vehicles near reserve forests.
“Usually, wild animals move through certain routes. After roads were laid in reserve areas, animals have been at risk. Drivers must be made aware of the need for speed control,” said honorary Wildlife Warden Harekrushna Mohant.
PNN