Rapti Highway needs wildlife-friendly crossings

Salyan, April 15: Growing concerns over road safety and wildlife conservation have prompted calls for wildlife-friendly infrastructure along key road sections in Salyan, including the Rapti Highway.

The urgency follows a recent incident in which a langur was killed after being struck by a motorcycle near Bardharni Khola in Sharada Municipality. While no human casualties were reported, locals say the accident highlights increasing risks along the highway.

Lila Bahadur Roka, Ward Chair of Sharada Municipality-7, said areas such as Kajeri–Ramekhola lie close to natural habitats and water sources of langurs, leading to frequent wildlife crossings. He noted that large roadside rocks have narrowed the road, further heightening accident risks.

According to the Wildlife-Friendly Infrastructure Construction Guidelines 2021, canopy bridges—overhead structures built at least five metres above roads—are recommended for tree-dwelling species.

Environmental expert Jeevan Sharma said such infrastructure could significantly reduce accidents involving species like grey langurs by ensuring safe passage across roads.

Locals have also reported similar dangers on feeder roads linked to the Rapti Highway, particularly along the Tharmare–Maulahal–Badagaun–Chaurjahari route. Vehicles frequently encounter animals such as jackals and wild rabbits, especially at night, due to the lack of protective infrastructure.

Tek Bahadur Rawal, Chief of the Division Forest Office in Salyan, emphasized the need to preserve traditional wildlife corridors during development.

“Any development project must be carried out only after proper environmental assessment,” he said, stressing the importance of incorporating structures like canopy bridges and underpasses where necessary.

Stakeholders have also called for strict enforcement of speed limits, installation of warning signboards, public awareness against roadside waste disposal that attracts wildlife, and growing Demand for Immediate Intervention

With increasing human-wildlife conflict along expanding road networks, locals and conservationists are urging authorities to act immediately. They emphasize that integrating wildlife-friendly designs into both new and existing infrastructure is essential to ensure safe animal movement and reduce accidents.