First-of-its-kind eco-bridge built in Uttarakhand for reptiles to cross busy highway

The Uttarakhand Forest Department has built a unique elevated eco-bridge across a highway in the Kaladhungi range of Ramnagar forest division, ANI reported. It has been built to save reptile species from being killed by vehicles.

The bridge is 90 feet long and five feet wide, a forest department official told ANI. “It’s made from bamboo, rope & grass,” he added.

According to The Indian Express report, the bridge was built across the Kaladhungi-Nainital highway by local contractors in 10 days, at a cost of Rs 2 lakh.

The forest is home to wide species of animals, ranging from monitor lizards, snakes and squirrels to monkeys, leapords and elephants. The highway is the main route to Nainital and is used by a large number of commuters, especially tourists. While drivers could see large animals, lizards, snakes and squirrels were often crushed.

The bridge would allow them to cross the highway, safely.

In order to attract reptiles and other animals, creepers will be grown over the bridge that will be layered with grass and leaves, The Indian Express reported quoting officials.

It has the capacity to take the weight of three adult humans. In order to make sure people don’t climb the bridge to take selfies, forest staff will patrol the area, according to The Indian Express.