The Mumbai-Pune Expressway has recently seen a surge in wildlife fatalities due to speeding vehicles, prompting the Maharashtra Forest Department to urge caution among motorists. The stretch between Urse and Khalapur, known for its dense forested areas, has become a hotspot for animal-vehicle collisions.
Over the past 25 years, the expressway has claimed the lives of several animals, including leopards, hyenas, and Southern red muntjacs. Despite efforts to prevent such incidents, including the construction of compounds along the expressway, animals continue to cross the barriers.
Factors contributing to these accidents include increased speed limits for light and heavy vehicles, as well as the proximity of the expressway to critical wildlife habitats. To address these issues, the Forest Department has recommended speed regulation, awareness measures, safe driving practices, and enhanced barriers along the expressway.
Forest officials emphasize the need for preventive measures to reduce wildlife fatalities and ensure road safety. They call on drivers to take responsibility by adhering to speed limits, staying vigilant, and taking necessary precautions in forested areas.
Proposed long-term solutions include the construction of wildlife crossings, speed cameras in high-risk zones, wildlife monitoring systems, and driver education programs. By implementing these measures, authorities aim to foster coexistence between humans and wildlife on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
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