Kaziranga Elevated Corridor: Balancing Connectivity and Conservation in Assam

35-km elevated corridor across Kaziranga aims to improve connectivity while protecting biodiversity.

Photo by Omkar Rane

The government is undertaking the construction of a 35-km elevated corridor across Kaziranga National Park in Assam. This project involves a four-lane upgrade of the Kaliabor-Numaligarh (86 km) section of NH-715. The project aims to improve regional connectivity while ensuring the protection of Kaziranga National Park's rich biodiversity. The total project cost is more than ₹6,950 crore. Additionally, new trains, including the Amrit Bharat Express, will be flagged off to enhance Assam's rail network, connecting Dibrugarh, Kamakhya, Gomti Nagar, and Rohtak.

Key Facts

Corridor length: 35 km

NH-715 upgrade: 86 km

Project cost: ₹6,950 crore

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology, Infrastructure Development

Connectivity projects and their environmental impact assessment

Potential questions on conservation efforts, wildlife protection acts, and sustainable development

Visual Insights

Kaziranga National Park: Connectivity and Conservation

Map showing the location of Kaziranga National Park, the proposed elevated corridor (NH-715), and key cities connected by the highway. Highlights the importance of the region for biodiversity and connectivity.

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📍Assam📍Kaliabor📍Numaligarh

More Information

Background

The Kaziranga National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, has a rich history rooted in conservation efforts dating back to the early 20th century. Its establishment was largely influenced by Mary Curzon, the wife of Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, who, upon visiting the area in 1904 and finding it devoid of rhinoceroses, urged her husband to take immediate action. This led to the initiation of measures to protect the dwindling rhino population and the surrounding ecosystem.

Initially established as a reserve forest in 1905, it gradually evolved into a sanctuary in 1916 and eventually gained national park status in 1974. Over the decades, Kaziranga has faced numerous challenges, including poaching, habitat encroachment, and floods, necessitating continuous conservation strategies and community involvement.

Latest Developments

Beyond the elevated corridor, recent conservation efforts in Kaziranga have focused on mitigating human-animal conflict, particularly with elephants and tigers. This includes the construction of more highlands within the park to provide refuge during floods, as well as community-based conservation programs aimed at reducing poaching and habitat destruction. The Assam government has also been exploring eco-tourism initiatives to generate revenue for conservation while providing sustainable livelihood options for local communities.

Furthermore, technological interventions, such as drone surveillance and camera trapping, are being increasingly utilized to monitor wildlife populations and prevent illegal activities. Future plans involve expanding the park's boundaries and creating buffer zones to further protect its biodiversity.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Kaziranga National Park: 1. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its population of one-horned rhinoceros. 2. The park is primarily located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. 3. The Brahmaputra River forms the northern boundary of the park. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct as Kaziranga is a UNESCO site famous for rhinos. Statement 3 is correct as Brahmaputra forms its northern boundary. Statement 2 is incorrect as the park is in Assam, not Arunachal Pradesh.

2. With reference to the proposed elevated corridor in Kaziranga National Park, which of the following is the most likely environmental impact mitigation strategy?

A.Increasing the number of tourist vehicles allowed in the park.
B.Implementing strict speed limits and noise reduction measures on the corridor.
C.Relocating villages from the periphery of the park to create a buffer zone.
D.Promoting agricultural activities within the park to compensate for habitat loss.

Show Answer

Answer: B

Implementing speed limits and noise reduction measures directly addresses the potential disturbance to wildlife caused by the elevated corridor.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding National Highway 715 (NH-715)?

A.It connects Kaliabor and Numaligarh.
B.It passes through Kaziranga National Park.
C.The highway is being upgraded to a six-lane expressway.
D.The upgrade project includes an elevated corridor.

Show Answer

Answer: C

The highway is being upgraded to a four-lane highway, not a six-lane expressway, according to the news summary.

4. Assertion (A): Construction of elevated corridors in wildlife habitats is often proposed to mitigate the impact of linear infrastructure projects. Reason (R): Elevated corridors allow for the unimpeded movement of animals beneath the infrastructure, reducing habitat fragmentation. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?