The death of a blackbuck in Maharashtra draws attention to the need to reduce roadkill

 BY SIMRIN SIRUR

January 30,2023

Twelve blackbucks were killed in an accident on the Solapur-Bijapur highway in Maharashtra on Saturday evening, alarming wildlife experts who have stressed the importance of putting mitigation measures in place along linear projects that obstruct the movement of wildlife. New Delhi

It is well recognised that linear construction projects like roads and railroads split habitat, making it dangerous for wild animals to pass.

Dhairyashil Patil, the deputy conservator of forests for Solapur, claims that the blackbucks died after falling from a height of 30 to 35 feet while attempting to cross a recently built bypass road that goes through a hill. The officer also stated that the department was now providing care for three blackbucks that were hurt in the collision.

The occurrence occurred inside a 10-kilometer radius of the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary in the district, which is a protected region under national environmental rules, and in the territorial forest division of Solapur. Agricultural fields and residences are also present along this stretch, according to project materials.

Maheep Gupta, senior chief conservator of forests (wildlife), said: "We are expecting a more complete report of the occurrence, following which mitigating measures would be advised, if appropriate."

According to data presented in Parliament by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, at least 5,902 incidents in 2018 were the result of collisions between automobiles and animals.

The government declined to respond when asked the same question in 2022 about the number of animals killed in traffic accidents that year.

Wildlife specialists believe that rather than adding mitigation measures after an occurrence, projects should include them from the beginning.

The National Board for Wildlife's standing committee granted wildlife approval to the Solapur-Bijapur motorway in August 2014, after it was initially proposed in 2012. The committee required, among other things, that "2% of the proportionate project cost lying within the region of 10 km from the boundary" of the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary be paid towards wildlife protection and management.

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