Peer Muchalla (Zirakpur), May 30 —A long-pending infrastructure project near the Ghaggar river has taken a decisive turn with the Forest Department approving the construction of a 3-km elevated road through a protected forest in Peer Muchalla, Zirakpur. The elevated design aims to allow uninterrupted movement of leopards, sambars and other wildlife frequenting the 400-acre forest patch managed by the department.
Originally delayed for over two years due to environmental concerns, the project was stalled as the road alignment required clearance under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA). Officials said that constructing a surface-level road would have disturbed around 50 acres of forest habitat.
“After deliberations with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), we proposed an elevated structure that protects wildlife corridors while advancing road connectivity,” said a senior forest official involved in the consultations.
The 3-km segment is part of the larger 19.2-km Zirakpur bypass, spanning both Punjab and Haryana. The six-lane bypass—cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs last month—will be built under the hybrid annuity mode at an estimated cost of ₹1,878.31 crore, including ₹200 crore earmarked for the elevated wildlife-sensitive portion.
The bypass is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in densely urbanised zones like Zirakpur and Panchkula.
“This elevated road will be Punjab’s first urban wildlife corridor,” an official said. “Once complete, it will be supplemented with afforestation and habitat restoration efforts to further safeguard the ecosystem.”
Wildlife corridors, experts say, are vital for maintaining biodiversity. “These green links allow animals to migrate, forage and breed without getting cut off by human settlements or infrastructure,” said a forest ecologist. “Overpasses and underpasses like this help maintain ecological continuity.”
With clearance now in place, construction is expected to begin soon, ensuring a rare blend of infrastructure advancement and environmental stewardship.
