Agra-Lucknow Expressway: Potential Wildlife Hotspot

The much talked about, Agra-Lucknow expressway is not only to bring two cities closer but it would also connect the scattered green fields of UP and serve the purpose of Wildlife Hot-Spot.  The ‘Greenfield’ Expressway is about 308-km long and it would pass through many cities including Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etawah, Kannauj, Unnao etc and it would made the travel easily possible between UP west with UP east.

Pic for representation

The expressway will provide faster transport to agricultural producers, handicrafts and small industries etc. Development of 4 agricultural ‘mandis’ for milk, potato, grains, fruit and vegetables along the expressway has also been planned by the government.

Agra-Lucknow expressway would literally work as a treat for eco-tourists who would be interested to see the amazing wildlife of the area in its own habitat. The edges of the expressway are expected to have farms; small patches of trees, Ganges plains etc, which are home for Sarus Crane, state bird of Uttar Pradesh.  Tourists who would drive on the highway will notice a huge range of birds, animals and reptilian species.


The length of the expressway will be 308 Kilometre and it will be the longest access controlled 6 lane expressway in the country. The width of 6 lane expressway is 110 meters which can be expanded to 8 lanes in future based on requirements.

The highway would link about many sanctuaries and hotspot while passing through the different districts of UP. Near Firozabad district, tourists may able to see the colonies of storks in future. Saman Bird Sanctuary in Mainpuri district, Lakh Bahosi Bird Sanctuary Kannauj, Sarsai Nawar in Etawah would also come in the range of the expressway. The bridge on River Ganga would also give spectacular view to the commuters.


What I m expecting is, people may be to witness flocks of Sarus Cranes, Moorhen, Open Bill Stork, many egrets and herons etc. On the high trees a variety of raptor birds would also be visible. People might also able to see Nilgai (blue bull), Jackals, Cheetal deer, Wild Hare etc.


UPEIDA (UP Expressway Industrial Development Authority) planned to restore and develop new wetlands near the roadside area which would sustain the wildlife. Underpasses for cattle, coverts for wildlife, green belt etc are also being developed for the wildlife protection.

As part of the suggestion, I would say development is a regular process, no one can deny it. But if the development proceeds in a sustainable way then it will create more opportunities to save wildlife. The roadsides area would buzz with life, if the expressway would develop smartly.


Here are some ideas to make the Greenfield Highway actually Green;

*Different types of butterflies, native insects, and even birds would feast on the resources which may generate by flourishing native flowers.
*Roadside plantation would reduce the impact of pollution and can hold water during the monsoon season.
*Instead of mowed grass, native medicinal plants could be planted, near road edges.
*Wildlife corridor should develop to join larger areas of similar wildlife habitat. Corridors would allow the movement or trespassing of the animals without disturbing the vehicles.


Hope you guys like the post! Keep me updated how we can make our area more green and eco-sustainable. 

Mugdha 

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