NHAI Releases Wildlife Mitigation Measures Document
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released a comprehensive document titled 'Wildlife Mitigation Measures & Structures' during the National Wildlife Week from October 2-8, 2026. The document was released by Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, during a Chintan Shivir in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. This document reflects NHAI's approach to balancing national highway infrastructure development with environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation.
Investment and Infrastructure Details
Over the last five years, NHAI has invested approximately ₹19,700 crore in wildlife mitigation infrastructure and related environmental protection measures across national highway projects. The investment breakdown shows ₹4,600 crore allocated to animal underpasses, ₹650 crore to animal overpasses, ₹8,300 crore to viaducts, ₹2,800 crore to tunnels, ₹2,500 crore to major bridges, and ₹500 crore to minor bridges. These structural measures are complemented by non-structural interventions including signage, fencing, speed regulation, noise barriers, reptile crossings, and rainwater harvesting systems.
Mitigation Framework and Implementation
NHAI has constructed and/or proposed more than 2,150 wildlife mitigation structures along national highways across the country. These include Animal Under Passes (AUPs), bridge-integrated crossings (both major and minor bridge-cum-AUPs), culverts adapted for faunal movement, canopy crossings, and other specialized structures. The mitigation planning is guided by ecological sensitivity of project corridors, wildlife movement patterns, and technical feasibility of infrastructure design.
To guide wildlife toward designated crossing structures and reduce animal-vehicle conflicts, NHAI has installed guide fencing and noise barriers at over 300 km of national highway alignments. The authority has also established monitoring mechanisms including camera trapping to assess wildlife movement patterns and support periodic evaluation of mitigation measures. Wildlife-vehicle collision hotspots are identified with appropriate measures including speed-regulation boards and signages implemented to minimize risks.
Collaborative Approach and Documentation
The document emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the conservation community and highway infrastructure development agencies. NHAI's approach ensures mitigation measures are incorporated at different stages of highway development, enabling infrastructure expansion while maintaining biodiversity conservation and statutory environmental compliance requirements. The complete document is available on the NHAI website for reference.