NHAI to set aside Rs 58 crore for plan to reduce damage to Karnala Bird Sanctuary

NEW DELHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is setting aside about Rs 58 crore for a plan to mitigate the impact of a road project on the Karnala Bird Sanctuary (KBS).

The government is widening a section of the Mumbai-Goa highway, 1.5 km of which passes through the sanctuary. The sanctuary has a moist, mixed deciduous forest and falls under the Thane wildlife division of West Mumbai Wildlife Circle. It also forms part of the Western Ghat bio-geographic zone.

As per the recommendation of the Wildlife Institute of India, NHAI will build four passages or wildlife in the 1.5 km sanctuary stretch. It will also construct seven box culverts.

Earlier, the state government had endorsed the proposal for widening the highway within the sanctuary, saying it could help reduce vehicular emissions by smoothening traffic flow.

NHAI’s plan also includes other wildlife management measures like retaining wall, fencing, signages and watch towers, besides provision of water for wildlife.