Arunachal Frontier Highway Project
The National Board for Wildlife’s Standing Committee recently approved the diversion of 310 hectares of forest land from Namdapha Tiger Reserve’s core area. This is for the Arunachal Frontier Highway (NH-913) construction in Arunachal Pradesh. The decision has sparked concerns about wildlife mitigation and large-scale tree felling. The highway is a strategic corridor near the India-Myanmar border in Changlang district.
Project Overview
The Arunachal Frontier Highway aims to connect NH-215 near Kharsang to the Miao-Gandhigram-Vijaynagar road. The Public Works Department requested 248.79 hectares for road widening and 61.21 hectares for muck disposal. The project involves upgrading the road width from 3.5 metres to intermediate laning. It is part of a plan to improve connectivity along the border area.
Environmental Impact and Tree Felling
The project will lead to the felling of approximately 155,000 trees, including poles and undergrowth. The forest area is tropical with dense vegetation, increasing the number of trees affected. Critics questioned the extent of widening and the justification for such large-scale tree cutting. The state government described the widening as moderate and necessary for road safety and capacity.
Wildlife Mitigation Measures
Concerns were raised over the rudimentary nature of the proposed wildlife mitigation measures. The current animal passage plan includes underpasses and culverts that follow standard Public Works Department designs. These are not tailored to local wildlife movement patterns. Members of the committee stressed the need for a research-based plan that considers site-specific animal behaviour.
Role of the Wildlife Institute of India
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) will conduct a detailed study of the project area within three months. It will design a comprehensive animal passage plan with scientifically robust mitigation measures. The plan will specify the design, location, height, and length of wildlife crossings to minimise impact on fauna. The committee’s approval is conditional on the implementation of these measures.
Additional Highway Approvals in Andhra Pradesh
Alongside the Arunachal project, the committee approved a four-lane highway between Kadapa and Renigunta in Andhra Pradesh. This involves 133 hectares of land, including forest and non-forest areas from two eco-sensitive zones and a tiger corridor. The project affects parts of Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sri Penusila Lakshmi Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam-Sri Venkateswara corridor.
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