The soon-to-be-opened Dehradun-Delhi Expressway is taking a unique approach to protect wildlife. Instead of using typical highway lights, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) is installing special lights that won’t disturb the animals living in the nearby Rajaji and Shivalik forests.
Keeping the Lights on the Road
These special lights are designed to keep the light focused only on the expressway, so it doesn’t shine into the forest and bother the animals at night. This helps protect nocturnal animals that are used to the dark.
Quieter Roads for Wildlife
The expressway also has sound barriers to reduce the noise from cars and trucks. This helps keep the forest quieter for the animals, so they aren’t disturbed by the traffic passing by.
Scientists Helped Choose the Lights
Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India helped choose the special lights. They did a study and tested different types of lights for three months to find the ones that would be best for the animals.
Balancing Nature and Progress
This project shows how we can build new roads and still protect the environment. By taking steps to help wildlife, the expressway is trying to be a good neighbor to the forests and the animals that live there.
Protecting Important Forests
The Rajaji and Shivalik forests are home to many different kinds of animals, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. It’s important to protect these animals, and the expressway is doing its part by using special lights and sound barriers.
This project is a good example of how we can build things for people and still take care of the environment. It shows that we can work together to protect wildlife and their homes.
