NHAI documents 2,150+ wildlife mitigation structures on national highways
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NHAI released a document on wildlife mitigation measures during National Wildlife Week (2-8 October 2026). It records over 2,150 wildlife crossing structures built or proposed on national highways and about ₹19,700 crore spent in five years on such measures, from animal underpasses and overpasses to viaducts, tunnels and canopy crossings.
- By
- NHAI
- Structures
- 2,150+
- Spend (5 yrs)
- ~₹19,700 crore
- Fencing/barriers
- 300+ km
Wildlife crossings on highways: what happened?
A highway through a forest splits it in two. Animals that try to cross die, or stop crossing, and populations get cut off. Crossing structures try to keep the forest connected under or over the road.
- NHAI released a document on “Wildlife Mitigation Measures & Structures” during National Wildlife Week (2–8 Oct 2026) [PIB].
- About ₹19,700 crore invested over five years in wildlife mitigation and environmental safeguards; more than 2,150 structures constructed and/or proposed [PIB].
What problems do highways cause for wildlife?
- Habitat fragmentation: one forest becomes two smaller patches.
- Barrier effect: animals stop moving across, so gene flow drops.
- Wildlife-vehicle collisions: deaths of animals and risk to drivers.
What kinds of measures does NHAI use?
- Structural: animal underpasses, overpasses, culverts adapted for animals, canopy crossings for tree-dwellers, viaducts and tunnels.
- Non-structural: signs, fencing, speed limits, noise barriers, reptile crossings, rainwater harvesting.
Where has the money gone?
| Structure | ₹ crore |
|---|---|
| Viaducts | 8,300 |
| Animal underpasses | 4,600 |
| Tunnels | 2,800 |
| Major bridges | 2,500 |
| Animal overpasses | 650 |
| Minor bridges | 500 |
Total investment in mitigation and environmental measures over five years: about ₹19,700 crore.
Why does Wildlife crossings on highways matter?
| Angle | What to note |
|---|---|
| Environment | Keeps corridors open; reduces roadkill. |
| Infrastructure | Shows “green highways” can be designed in, not added later. |
| Safety | Fewer collisions for drivers too. |
What are the challenges in Wildlife crossings on highways?
- Structures only work if placed on real animal paths; that needs good field data.
- Monitoring must show use by animals, not just construction.
What should be done next on Wildlife crossings on highways?
- Publish camera-trap results on how often animals use each structure.
- Plan crossings at the design stage of every forest stretch.
What can Prelims ask on Wildlife crossings on highways?
- National Wildlife Week: 2-8 October.
- Canopy crossings help arboreal animals.
- Viaducts got the largest share (₹8,300 crore).
How to write about Wildlife crossings on highways in Mains
Practice question (10 marks, 150 words): Linear infrastructure is a major cause of habitat fragmentation in India. Discuss mitigation measures with examples.
- Intro: 2,150 structures, ₹19,700 crore.
- Problem: fragmentation, barrier, collisions.
- Measures: structural and non-structural.
- Gaps: siting, monitoring.
- Conclusion: plan early.
Image: Anantht84, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
How to use this in Mains
If asked: Linear infrastructure and wildlife conservation can coexist. Discuss. (GS-III)
Quote: “About ₹19,700 crore invested over five years in wildlife mitigation and environmental safeguards; more than 2,150 structures constructed and/or proposed [PIB].”
Use it: The data point your body needs; add the Barrier effect line as the problem.
Exam angle
Prelims: Wildlife Week, types of crossings. · Mains GS-III: conservation and infrastructure.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
National Wildlife Week in India is observed from
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB, 8 Oct 2026.
Which wildlife mitigation item got the largest NHAI investment as per its 2026 document?
Answer (c) & explanation
Viaducts: about ₹8,300 crore.
Questions students ask about this
How many wildlife structures are on national highways?
More than 2,150 have been built or proposed, as per NHAI's October 2026 document.
How much has NHAI spent on wildlife mitigation?
About ₹19,700 crore over the last five years.
What is a canopy crossing?
A bridge-like link between tree canopies over a road so tree-dwelling animals can cross safely.
Keep studying
Go deeper
Official source: PIB, MoRTH: NHAI releases document on Wildlife Mitigation Measures & Structures, 8 Oct 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending