Tinsukia, April 26: Conservationists have called for transforming Dr Bhupen Hazarika Setu into a model of wildlife-friendly infrastructure, citing mounting ecological concerns in the surrounding region.
The 9.15-km bridge, spanning the Lohit River in Tinsukia district, connects Assam with Arunachal Pradesh and cuts through ecologically sensitive zones characterised by semi-evergreen forests, wetlands and diverse biodiversity.
Experts noted that the corridor supports a wide range of flora, including native trees, shrubs and grasslands, as well as fauna such as elephants, deer, birds and aquatic species. However, recent incidents, including the discovery of a dead Indian Roller on the bridge, have heightened concerns over habitat fragmentation and wildlife-vehicle collisions.
Wildlife conservationists have urged authorities to adopt eco-sensitive measures, including the creation of dedicated wildlife crossings to ensure safe movement of animals across the corridor. They also emphasised the need for planting native vegetation along approach roads, developing green corridors and introducing monitoring systems to minimise ecological disruption.
Pointing to international models, experts highlighted how countries such as the Netherlands have developed ecoducts—vegetated overpasses designed for wildlife movement—while Banff National Park in Canada has implemented a network of overpasses and underpasses to reduce animal-vehicle collisions.
Similar initiatives in Singapore and the United States have demonstrated that infrastructure development can coexist with biodiversity through careful planning and design. Conservationists said adopting such strategies in Assam could help safeguard the fragile ecosystem of the Lohit valley, reduce wildlife fatalities and position the bridge as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure in biodiversity-rich regions.
