Overpass connecting multiple wildlife habitats opened for one-sided traffic near Ranthambore
Jaipur (PTI): A major overpass along a stretch of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway near Ranthambore National Park has been opened for one-sided traffic, aimed at ensuring safe movement of animals and reducing human-wildlife conflict, an official said.
The overpass spans an 11.5 km stretch where special engineering measures have been implemented to allow wildlife and traffic to coexist with minimal disturbance.
At the core of the design is a 3.5 km animal overpass system, comprising five segments of around 500 metres each, along with dedicated underpasses exclusively for wildlife movement.
Constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 900 crore by Larsen and Toubro, the overpass connects key wildlife habitats, including Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, and parts of Kuno National Park, creating a continuous ecological corridor, a company official said.
He said the structures are covered with soil and native vegetation to replicate natural habitat conditions, allowing animals to cross without stepping onto the highway. Sound barriers and high walls have also been installed to minimise traffic noise and disturbance.
Around 1,500 LED lights have been installed to guide motorists through covered stretches, ensuring safety without affecting wildlife movement.
The initiative seeks to address habitat fragmentation caused by highways and reduce accidents involving animals. The project is expected to be fully completed by September 2026, officials added.
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Allahabad HC orders police protection to married couple apprehending 'honour killing'
Prayagraj (PTI): The Allahabad High Court has granted protection to a married couple who expressed fear that they may be killed by the woman's family.
The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice JJ Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena on March 25.
"No individual can make an 'honour issue' out of a consenting adult marrying a person of their own choice. It is the state's duty to protect the life, limb, and property of such persons even against their own family members," the bench said.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Prachi Agrawal and her partner, who sought relief in connection with an FIR filed under Section 87 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for kidnapping, and abducting or inducing a woman to compel her marriage.
The couple submitted that they married at an Arya Samaj temple and possessed a marriage registration certificate issued under the Uttar Pradesh Marriage Registration Rules, 2017.
The petitioners alleged that the woman's family members were averse to their marriage and lodged a bogus FIR against them.
The couple further submitted a joint affidavit expressing apprehension of an honour killing by the woman's family.
The court said that a prima facie case was made out and issued notice to the private respondent and granted two weeks to file a counter-affidavit.
Meanwhile, as an interim measure, the court granted the petitioners protection from arrest.
The court also explicitly ordered the woman's family members and relatives not to harm the petitioners, enter their matrimonial home, or establish contact with them directly or through any electronic means.
The bench directed the Aligarh senior superintendent of police to ensure that no harm comes to the couple and posted the matter for hearing on April 8.
