Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off a ₹6,950 crore elevated corridor in Kaziranga National Park . Learn about its role in mitigating wildlife-traffic conflict, protecting the one-horned rhino, and enhancing connectivity in Assam. Important for APSC( Prelims/ Mains).
Location and Ecological Context
- Kaziranga lies on the Brahmaputra floodplains in Nagaon and Golaghat districts.
- Hosts the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinoceros, 37 mammal species, and nearly 500 bird species.
- National Highway 715 (earlier NH-37) forms the southern boundary; Karbi Anglong hills lie to the south.
- Floods are annual and natural, forcing animals to migrate between floodplains and highlands.
Project Details
- Part of widening an 86.675-km stretch of NH-715 from two lanes to four lanes, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
- 34.5 km elevated corridor to allow animal movement underneath.
Includes:
- Upgradation of 30.22 km of existing roads.
- Construction of 21 km greenfield bypasses around Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat.
Significance
- The Flood-Migration Cycle: Every year, monsoon flSoods submerge the park. This forces wildlife to migrate south toward the Karbi Anglong hills for safety.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: High vehicular traffic (~13,800 vehicles daily) leads to frequent animal fatalities during these migrations, especially when animals are most vulnerable during floods.
- The elevated structure allows uninterrupted wildlife movement, reducing direct animal–vehicle interactions.
Regional Connectivity & Economy
- Upgrades NH-715 to four lanes.
- Enhances connectivity between Guwahati, Kaziranga, and Numaligarh.
- Boosts tourism and trade in Assam.
LUCENT IAS Prelims PYQ
Q.The proposed 34.5-km elevated corridor in Kaziranga National Park primarily aims to address which of the following ecological challenges?
A) Prevention of illegal encroachment on forest land.
B) Mitigation of wildlife mortality caused by vehicular traffic during seasonal migrations.
C) Increasing the total land area of the National Park by 34.5 km.
D) Providing a permanent flood-shelter for the one-horned rhinoceros.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The core objective of the ₹6,950 crore project is the long-term mitigation of wildlife-traffic conflict, specifically to prevent collisions when animals cross the highway to reach higher ground.
Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project:
- The project involves widening an 86.675-km stretch of NH-715 from two lanes to four lanes.
- The corridor facilitates animal movement between the Brahmaputra floodplains and the Karbi Anglong hills to the south.
- The project includes the construction of greenfield bypasses around Jakhalabandha and Bokakhat.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: All three statements are correct.
About Lucent IAS
Lucent IAS is a premier coaching institute in Guwahati, dedicated to empowering APSC aspirants with a result-oriented approach. Recognized as a top destination for APSC Coaching, we offer comprehensive guidance ranging from Foundation Courses and Advanced Mains preparation to our signature Assam-Centric study modules. With expert faculty, small batch sizes for personalized mentoring, and the acclaimed Saadhana Test Series, Lucent IAS is committed to helping you crack the Civil Services Examination.
Publications From LUCENT IAS
- “The Assam Odyssey: The Complete Assam Centric Resource useful for APSC CCE and various other Departmental Examinations. Read More
- InExam PYQ Explained.Read More
- Mains Tattva: The Craft of Answer Writing (GS Paper PYQs). Read More
- Maanchitra – An Illustrative Colour-Coded Informative Map of Assam. Read More
- প্ৰাৰম্ভ (Prarambha). Read More
- অসম ওডিচী – The Assam Odyssey (Assamese Edition). Read More
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