Punjab approves its first urban wildlife corridor with a ₹2,000 crore Zirakpur bypass. A 3-km elevated road will protect wildlife while easing traffic near Panchkula and Zirakpur.

A Long-Awaited Green Light for a Greener Path

Following a long delay, Punjab finally sanctioned the first-ever urban wildlife corridor of ₹ 2000 crore, the Zirakpur bypass project, which is embedded into the lanes of construction. Special mention?? A 3KM expressway to be built above for vehicles and else the wildlife that moves through the protected forest land of Ghaggar River near Peer Muchalla’s protected forest.

When Roads Rise, Wildlife Walks Freely

Instead of slicing 40-something acres of forest, the project will push its way through this. The higher design enables leopards, sambars, and all the other native fauna to move under the expressway along their ancient transit routes as well. It’s largely untouched by humans (400 acres of the verdant lung below are governed and maintained directly by the Forest Department)

Bureaucratic Hurdles Finally Crossed

The FCA complications kept the bypass project bogged down for over two years. Nevertheless, on an exhaustive conversation with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), the highway got Elevated road status. For wildlife, and also the least traffic in Zirakpur & Panchkula for the daily commuters this is a win.

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A Project That Balances Cost and Conservation

Zirakpur bypasses 19.2 km and is estimated to cost ₹1,878.31 crores and there is another ₹200 crores for the raised wildlife-friendly bit. Last week, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (headed by PM Modi) approved the project under the hungry annuity model which is another public-private partnership conceived to secure both finance and speed.

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Building Bridges for Beasts and Biodiversity

Wildlife Corridors – Officials say they are not frills but lifelines needed by nature. The animal species can connect, migrate, and feed breed freely without getting constrained by humans because the corridors are full of spaciousness. The faster the elevated road is over, the better it will be for the forestation & ecological conservation of Peer Muchalla.

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