Bihar Highway Proposal and Protected Area Environmental Clearance
Context
A proposed road and tourism development initiative in Bihar has raised concerns regarding infrastructure development within or near a protected wildlife landscape. Although such projects can improve connectivity and promote tourism, inadequate environmental safeguards and regulatory clearances may lead to habitat fragmentation and adverse impacts on wildlife.
The issue primarily depends on the project’s precise location and the statutory approvals required before construction.
Key Highlights
- A proposed highway related project has raised questions regarding environmental and wildlife clearances for activities that may affect a protected wildlife sanctuary.
- Tourism related investments can generate local income but may also increase risks such as roadkill, habitat fragmentation, noise pollution and the spread of invasive species.
- The project’s physical footprint, location in relation to protected areas and applicable statutory approvals must be examined before construction begins.
- Official claims regarding the status of permissions should be verified against relevant statutory notifications and environmental clearance records.
Key Concepts
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: The principal legislation providing legal protection to wildlife species and designated protected areas, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
- National Board for Wildlife (NBWL): A national advisory body whose Standing Committee is involved in examining specified proposals that affect protected areas.
- Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ): A regulated buffer zone notified around certain protected areas. Its activities are governed by the applicable notification and relevant judicial directions.
- Wildlife Corridor: A landscape linkage that facilitates animal movement and gene flow between different habitat patches. Fragmentation of these corridors can disrupt wildlife movement and increase human-wildlife conflict.
Way Forward
- Ensure transparency by making project maps, environmental clearances and evidence of ecological impacts publicly available before construction begins.
- Prioritise wildlife sensitive road alignments, speed restrictions and scientifically assessed wildlife crossings wherever roads cannot be avoided.
- Involve local communities in sharing tourism related benefits while strengthening conservation measures and environmental safeguards.