Environmental Balance and Samruddhi

While finalizing the alignment of the Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, the concerned departments thought about maintaining environmental balance. The Katepurna, Karanja Sohol and Tansa sanctuaries were given special consideration while finalizing the alignment. In one of the previous blogs, we have discussed the steps taken by MSRDC to protect the Katepurna sanctuary. You can read about these efforts in our blog titled, ‘Prosperity by Environmental Protection’. In this blog, we have tried to present information about the proposal given by MSRDC to protect the Karanja Sohol Blackbuck Sanctuary.

Just like Katepurna Sanctuary, Karanja Sohol Blackbuck Sanctuary is a part of Package 2. Karanja Sohol Blackbuck Sanctuary is situated on the border of Akola and Washim districts. Karanja Sohol Blackbuck Sanctuary is a notified sanctuary. Accordingly, an area of 10 km radius from the center of the sanctuary is reserved as Eco Sensitive Zone. This is so as to avoid hindrances to wildlife activities due to human interference. Even if the Samruddhi Mahamarg does not traverse directly through this sanctuary, a part of the alignment falls in the reserved Eco Sensitive Zone. Therefore, after studying the issue carefully, MSRDC has taken an initiative to send a proposal to the Central government so as to maintain the environmental balance in this area. The proposal aims at protecting Blackbucks along with the other wildlife and also other rare species found in this sanctuary.

If the Mahamarg traverses through the sanctuary itself, there is a danger to the wildlife in following ways-

• The chance of accident increases if wildlife is on the highway at any time.
• There is a danger to the wildlife because of the noise created by the traffic on the highway.
• The area available to the wildlife decreases after the construction of the highway.

The construction of Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg will be completed in such a way that the above mentioned dangers do not arise. MSRDC is trying to achieve the dual targets of protecting the Eco Sensitive Zone and completing the construction of the Mahamarg by building via-ducts and bridges. These efforts will help protect wildlife and the forest; this way, MSRDC will be successful in constructing the Mahamarg while striking a balance with the environment.