Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor prime example of sustainable development: Uniyal

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

Forest minister Subodh Uniyal said that some features of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor make it unique from the viewpoint of wildlife conservation and an example of sustainable development for others to follow.

Addressing the media here on Monday, Uniyal said that the final 20-kilometre stretch of the expressway passes through the dense forest areas of Uttar Pradesh’s Shivalik forest division, Uttarakhand’s Rajaji tiger reserve and Dehradun forest division. Citing the project as a prime example of balance between development and environmental conservation, he said that compensatory afforestation was done on 165.5 hectare area with the plantation of 1.95 lakh trees. Under the directions of the Supreme Court monitoring committee, an additional sum of Rs 40 crore is being used for various eco-restoration works for forest and wildlife conservation. In addition to Asia’s longest elevated wildlife corridor, top priority was accorded to wildlife protection during construction of the project. Sound and light barriers have also been installed to minimise the effects of noise and light pollution on wildlife. Uniyal said that the elevated corridor will not only reduce human-wildlife conflict but also ensure safe and convenient wildlife movement which in turn will enable a better gene pool in various species. Due to the construction of the corridor, there will be a decrease of about 2.44 million tonnes carbon dioxide emissions during the next 20 years in addition to 19 per cent saving in fuel. The minister cited the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor as a prime example of environmental conservation, sustainable development and establishing ecological balance.