Rapti Highway needs wildlife-friendly crossings

By Pratik Ichhuk Sharma

Salyan, Apr. 15: There have been growing calls to construct wildlife-friendly infrastructure along various road sections in Salyan district, including the Rapti Highway, following a recent rise in the risk of road accidents involving wild animals.

A few days ago, a langur was killed after being hit by a motorcycle near the Bardharni Khola area in Sharada Municipality along the Rapti Highway. Although there were no human casualties, locals said the incident has raised serious concerns about road safety.

Lila Bahadur Roka, Ward Chair of Sharada Municipality-7, said that the Kajeri-Ramekhola area lies close to the natural habitat and water sources of langurs, leading to frequent crossings by wildlife. He added that large rocks on both sides of the road have narrowed the stretch, increasing the risk of accidents.

According to the Wildlife-Friendly Infrastructure Construction Guidelines 2021, a ‘canopy bridge’ -- an overhead structure built at least five metres above roads, canals, or railways -- is recommended for tree-dwelling species.

Environmental expert Jeevan Sharma said such problems are inevitable when roads are built across wildlife habitats. He noted that canopy bridges could be an effective solution for species like the grey langur, ensuring safe movement and helping reduce vehicle-related accidents.

Locals have also reported similar risks on feeder roads connected to the Rapti Highway, particularly along the Tharmare-Maulahal-Badagaun-Chaurjahari route. The lack of wildlife-friendly infrastructure has increased the chances of vehicles colliding with animals such as jackals (locally known as “bhere/bhede bagh”) and wild rabbits, especially at night.

To minimise accidents, stakeholders have stressed the need for strict enforcement of speed limits, installation of awareness signboards, and public caution against throwing food or waste along roadsides.

Tek Bahadur Rawal, Chief of the Division Forest Office, Salyan, stressed the importance of preserving traditional wildlife corridors during development works. 

“Any development project must be carried out only after proper environmental assessment,” he said, adding that necessary measures should be taken to ensure safe wildlife movement. He also highlighted the need to build structures such as canopy bridges and underpasses where required.

The guidelines also allow for the addition of wildlife-friendly structures to existing infrastructure where necessary.

Locals and conservationists have urged the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to construct canopy bridges, underpasses, and other safety measures to facilitate safe wildlife movement and reduce accidents.