Recently, while traveling from Bhubaneswar to Phulbani in an 18-seater traveler, a 210 km Road journey through Khorda, Nayagarh, and Daspalla, I experienced the serene beauty of nature. This route takes you deep into the forested regions, and we were enjoying the lush greenery with our family, including young children. As we drove through the dense forest of Daspalla, we spotted a deer with a broken horn crossing the road, possibly injured in a road accident. Our child excitedly pointed out, “See, Papa, See, Mami, Deer crossing our road!”
I smiled at his innocence, but it made me ponder: Is it the animals crossing our road, or are we crossing their road? The reality is that we are encroaching upon their natural habitat, disrupting their peace and privacy. While we boast of our technological advancements and infrastructure development, we are destroying the homes of countless animals. The roads we build through these forests cause numerous accidents and deaths because the animals have no concept of our road safety rules. Also Read : https://pixabay.com/images/search/jungle%20road/
Common Animal on Indian roads, especially those passing through or near forests, you might encounter:
- Tigers
- Leopards
- Sloth bears
- Hyenas
- Jackals
- Monkeys
- Peacocks
- Elephants (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Odisha)
- Deer & Sambar
- Wild boars
- Snakes
- Forest Lizards
Challenges Animals Face Due to Roads:
- Collisions with vehicles.
- Roads dividing their natural territory.
- Noise pollution.
- Restrictions on their natural movement.
- Habitat loss and degradation.
- Human-wildlife conflict.
- Disruption of natural behavior.
- Population decline
Safety Tips for Driving in Forest Areas and protect wildlife:
- Drive attentively
- Drive slowly (20-30 km/h) to avoid sudden encounters.
- Be vigilant for wildlife
- Avoid sudden movements
- Maintain a safe distance from wildlife Animal.
- Follow local guidelines and regulations.. Also Read –Helmet safety
Who Is Really Crossing Whose Road?
The next time when you drive through a forest, remember that these roads pass through the homes of forest animals. Drive carefully, be aware of your surroundings, and respect the nature and creatures . Remember, we are the guests in their habitat. By driving safely and respecting wildlife, we can ensure a safer environment for all.
Drive Safe, and Protect Nature!
