PM Launches ₹6,957-Crore Kaziranga Corridor Project, Assam Development
PM Modi launches Kaziranga corridor project, balancing development and conservation.
Photo by Omkar Rane
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the ₹6,957-crore Kaziranga elevated corridor project in Assam. The 86-km project includes 35 km of elevated road through the Kaziranga National Park, aiming to ensure uninterrupted animal movement and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
PM Modi accused the Congress of neglecting Kaziranga and aiding infiltrators, while praising the current Assam government for stopping rhinoceros poaching and freeing encroached land. He also criticized the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal for imposing a 'syndicate tax' on development.
Key Facts
Project cost: ₹6,957 crore
Corridor length: 86 km
Elevated road: 35 km
Location: Kaziranga National Park, Assam
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Environment, Conservation, Infrastructure
Link to Wildlife Protection Act, Environment Protection Act
Potential for questions on conservation efforts, infrastructure development, and political discourse
Visual Insights
Kaziranga National Park and Corridor Project
Map showing the location of Kaziranga National Park in Assam and the proposed elevated corridor project.
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More Information
Background
The Kaziranga National Park's history is deeply intertwined with conservation efforts that began in the early 20th century. Mary Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, visited the area in 1904 and, failing to spot a single rhinoceros, urged her husband to take measures to protect the species. This led to the creation of a proposed Kaziranga Reserve Forest in 1905.
The area was officially designated as a Reserve Forest in 1908, covering approximately 232 square kilometers. Over the decades, its status evolved, becoming a game sanctuary in 1937 and finally a National Park in 1974. The park's significance was further recognized when it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
The need for elevated corridors stems from the increasing pressure on the park's ecosystem due to expanding human settlements and infrastructure development around it, impacting animal movement and leading to human-wildlife conflict.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on mitigating human-wildlife conflict around Kaziranga. The Assam government has implemented several measures, including anti-poaching initiatives and community-based conservation programs. The use of technology, such as drones and camera traps, has also increased for monitoring animal movement and preventing poaching.
Furthermore, there's been a push for eco-tourism to generate revenue for local communities and incentivize conservation. The elevated corridor project aligns with the larger trend of infrastructure development that prioritizes environmental sustainability and aims to minimize ecological impact. Future developments are likely to include further expansion of protected areas, enhanced community engagement, and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key facts about the Kaziranga corridor project that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For the Prelims exam, remember the following: The project cost is ₹6,957 crore. The total corridor length is 86 km, which includes 35 km of elevated road. The project is located in the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. The project aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Exam Tip
Focus on remembering the numerical data (cost, length) and the location (Kaziranga) as these are frequently tested in Prelims.
2. What is the main objective of the Kaziranga elevated corridor project, and why is it important?
The main objective of the Kaziranga elevated corridor project is to balance infrastructure development with wildlife conservation. It aims to ensure uninterrupted animal movement within the Kaziranga National Park while reducing human-wildlife conflict. This is important for preserving the biodiversity of the region and promoting sustainable development.
Exam Tip
Understanding the balance between development and conservation is crucial for answering related questions in both Prelims and Mains.
3. Why is the Kaziranga corridor project in the news recently?
The Kaziranga corridor project is in the news because Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation stone for the ₹6,957-crore project in Assam. The project is significant due to its focus on infrastructure development alongside wildlife conservation in a sensitive ecological zone.
Exam Tip
Stay updated on the project's progress and any related environmental impact assessments.
4. How might the Kaziranga corridor project impact common citizens?
The Kaziranga corridor project aims to improve transportation efficiency while minimizing disruption to wildlife. For common citizens, this could mean better connectivity and reduced travel times. The project also aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict, which can improve the safety and security of people living near the Kaziranga National Park.
Exam Tip
Consider the socio-economic benefits and potential environmental costs when analyzing the impact on common citizens.
5. What is the historical background of conservation efforts in Kaziranga National Park?
The Kaziranga National Park's history is deeply intertwined with conservation efforts that began in the early 20th century. Mary Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, visited the area in 1904 and, failing to spot a single rhinoceros, urged her husband to take measures to protect the species. This led to the creation of a proposed Kaziranga Reserve Forest in 1905.
Exam Tip
Understanding the historical context of conservation efforts helps to appreciate the significance of current projects like the Kaziranga corridor.
6. What are the recent developments related to mitigating human-wildlife conflict around Kaziranga?
Recent developments include the Assam government's implementation of anti-poaching initiatives and community-based conservation programs. The use of technology, such as drones and camera traps, has also increased for monitoring animal movement and preventing poaching. Furthermore, there's been a push for mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
Exam Tip
Focus on the role of technology and community involvement in current conservation strategies.
7. What are the pros and cons of the Kaziranga elevated corridor project?
Pros include improved infrastructure, reduced human-wildlife conflict, and enhanced conservation efforts. Cons may involve potential environmental impacts during construction and the long-term effects of the elevated structure on the ecosystem. Balancing these factors is crucial for sustainable development.
Exam Tip
When discussing pros and cons, consider both environmental and socio-economic aspects.
8. What is the length of the elevated road being constructed as part of the Kaziranga corridor project?
As per the topic data, the length of the elevated road being constructed as part of the Kaziranga corridor project is 35 km. This elevated section is designed to allow for uninterrupted animal movement beneath it.
Exam Tip
Remember the specific length of the elevated road (35 km) for factual recall questions.
9. How does this project relate to Infrastructure Development and Human-Wildlife Conflict?
The Kaziranga corridor project directly addresses both Infrastructure Development and Human-Wildlife Conflict. It aims to provide better infrastructure (the corridor) while simultaneously mitigating the negative impacts of development on wildlife by allowing for safe animal passage. This represents an integrated approach to development and conservation.
Exam Tip
Think about how infrastructure projects can be designed to minimize environmental harm and promote coexistence.
10. What are the important numbers associated with the Kaziranga corridor project that I should remember for the exam?
The key numbers to remember are: ₹6,957 crore (the project cost), 86 km (the total corridor length), and 35 km (the length of the elevated road). These figures are important for answering factual questions in the Prelims exam.
Exam Tip
Create a flashcard or use a mnemonic to remember these key numbers.
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 the one-horned rhinoceros. 2. The park is primarily located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. 3. The Brahmaputra River flows through the park, contributing to its unique ecosystem. 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 the Brahmaputra flows through it. Statement 2 is incorrect as the park is in Assam, not Arunachal Pradesh.
2. Which of the following factors contributes significantly to human-wildlife conflict around Kaziranga National Park? 1. Expansion of agricultural land encroaching upon animal habitats. 2. Construction of linear infrastructure like roads and railways. 3. Decreasing population of rhinoceros in the park. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Expansion of agriculture and infrastructure development directly impact animal habitats, leading to increased interaction and conflict. A decreasing rhino population would not directly cause human-wildlife conflict, although it is a conservation concern.
3. With reference to conservation efforts in India, consider the following: List I (Initiatives) a. Project Tiger b. Project Elephant c. Crocodile Conservation Project List II (Year of Launch) 1. 1973 2. 1975 3. 1992 Which of the following is the correct match?
- A.a-1, b-3, c-2
- B.a-3, b-1, c-2
- C.a-2, b-3, c-1
- D.a-1, b-2, c-3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Project Tiger was launched in 1973, Crocodile Conservation Project in 1975, and Project Elephant in 1992.
4. Assertion (A): Elevated corridors are being increasingly proposed in areas with high biodiversity. Reason (R): They aim to mitigate the impact of linear infrastructure on wildlife movement and reduce habitat fragmentation. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why elevated corridors are proposed in biodiversity-rich areas.
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