The Forest Department has stepped up patrols on highways and connecting roads in the Laxchiwala forest range because increased elephant movement is raising the risk of collisions with vehicles. Teams are paying particular attention to locations where elephants are frequently seen crossing roads.
The action follows an incident near the airport on the Rishikesh route, where a motorcyclist narrowly escaped an elephant attack. The incident prompted the department to increase surveillance on routes considered sensitive to wildlife movement.
Routes under closer watch
Forest teams are monitoring the area around the Laxchiwala toll plaza, the Kuanwala highway and the railway bridge near the flyover. Elephants are reported to move more frequently through these locations from nearby forest areas.
The department is concerned about vehicles travelling at high speed while elephants are moving across the roads. Such movement can leave drivers with little time to respond and increase the possibility of an accident.
Laxchiwala Forest Range Officer GS Dhamanda said motorists are being advised to keep their speed under control while travelling on these routes at night. Drivers have also been asked not to approach elephants when they see them on the road.
The guidance includes avoiding any attempt to disturb or provoke the animals and not acting hastily. Motorists should allow elephants enough space to cross the road and maintain a safe distance from them.
The increased patrols are focused on reducing the risk of a confrontation between wildlife and road users. The department’s immediate response is closer monitoring of the identified routes and advice to drivers using them.
Conclusion
Rising elephant movement has led to increased Forest Department surveillance on sensitive roads in the Laxchiwala range. Drivers are being urged to reduce speed at night, maintain a safe distance and allow elephants to cross without interference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why has the Forest Department increased patrols?
The department increased patrols because elephant movement has raised concerns about wildlife-vehicle collisions on roads under the Laxchiwala forest range.
Q. Which places are receiving closer monitoring?
Teams are monitoring the Laxchiwala toll plaza, Kuanwala highway and the railway bridge near the flyover.
Q. What happened near the airport?
A motorcyclist narrowly escaped an elephant attack on the Rishikesh route near the airport.
Q. What should drivers do if they see an elephant?
Drivers should avoid approaching or disturbing the elephant, keep a safe distance and give it enough space to cross the road.
Q. What advice has been issued for night travel?
Motorists have been advised to control their speed while travelling on these routes at night.
