Environmental groups raise concerns over ‘proposed’ expansion of NH-31

RAJDEEP MONDAL, MP, 14 Jan 2025, Jalpaiguri: The proposed expansion of National Highway-31 from Maynaguri to Chalsa has sparked concerns regarding its potential impact on the Lataguri jungle, particularly regarding the possible felling of trees and disruption of the elephant corridor. 

The NH Division has begun a topographic survey along the Lataguri jungle road, part of the NH-9 Division. However, no formal proposal for the expansion has been submitted to the Jalpaiguri Forest Division or the Gorumara Wildlife Division, raising alarms among environmental groups. 

Despite assurances from NH Division 9 that no trees will be cut, there are ongoing fears about encroaching on vital wildlife habitats. The road will eventually connect to National Highway 717 in Bagrakot. 

Raja Rauth, Secretary of the Jalpaiguri Science and Nature Club, said: “There are many trees along the Lataguri jungle road. I fear that some may be felled. Vehicles already pose a threat to wildlife like monkeys, deer, pythons, and leopards. The road cuts through an important elephant corridor from Gorumara to Apalchand, which will be affected.

” Environmental activist Anirban Majumdar warned: “If tree cutting occurs in the Lataguri jungle area, I will be forced to protest strongly.” Signage along NH-31 in the Lataguri jungle highlights it as a rhino, bison, and elephant corridor. Previous proposals to light up the road were dropped after an accident in the Mahakal Dham area due to the presence of the elephant corridor. 

Speed restads also remain in place. Debabrata Thakur, Executive Engineer of NH-9 Divisirictions on forest roon, clarified: “We are widening the road from 7 meters to 10 meters on both sides. After inspecting the Lataguri section, we confirmed that no trees will be cut, only some shrubs, and the elephant corridor will remain unaffected.” 

Both the Jalpaiguri Forest Division and the Gorumara Wildlife Division have not yet received formal proposals. Dwija Pratim Sen, DFO of Gorumara Wildlife Division, emphasised: “If the NH does not own land on both sides of the road, they will need permission from the Environment Portal. We will conduct a thorough review under the Wildlife Conservation Act to ensure that the project does not disrupt wildlife movement, particularly the elephant corridor.” 

Courtesy & source- Millennium Post

https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/as-many-as-85l-pilgrims-take-holy-dip-on-makar-sankranti-at-gangasagar-594819