🐾 Punjab’s First Wildlife Corridor to Debut in Zirakpur: A Landmark Blend of Infrastructure and Conservation
Zirakpur, Punjab — May 31, 2025: In a historic development for urban infrastructure and environmental conservation, Zirakpur is set to host Punjab’s first elevated wildlife corridor, ensuring safe passage for native species like leopards, sambars, and other wildlife across a protected forest near the Ghaggar River in Peer Muchalla.
🚧 Zirakpur Bypass Gets Green Signal with ₹1,878 Cr Investment
After over two years of delay due to environmental clearances, the Forest Department of Punjab has officially approved a 3-kilometer-long elevated road as part of the ambitious 19.2-kilometer Zirakpur Bypass Project, connecting parts of Punjab and Haryana. The bypass, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be developed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) at a staggering cost of ₹1,878.31 crore, with ₹200 crore earmarked specifically for the wildlife-friendly elevated section.
🌳 Why a Wildlife Corridor Matters: Saving 50 Acres of Forest
Initial road alignment plans under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) required disturbing nearly 50 acres of protected forest land. However, following strategic consultations with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), an elevated road design was proposed to avoid deforestation and preserve the local ecosystem. This innovative shift not only protects 400 acres of forest in Peer Muchalla, but also sets a new benchmark for eco-sensitive infrastructure development in India.
🐆 Safe Passage for Wildlife in Zirakpur: A First for Punjab
This elevated structure will become Punjab’s first urban wildlife corridor, allowing seamless movement for species like:
Leopards
Sambars
Wild boars
Other native fauna
“Wildlife corridors like these are essential for ecological continuity. They allow animals to migrate, forage, and breed without the threat of human obstruction,” said a senior forest ecologist involved in the project.
The corridor is being hailed as a rare fusion of ecological protection and urban growth, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of biodiversity.
🛣️ Zirakpur’s Urban Relief: Congestion to Ease in Zirakpur & Panchkula
With rapid urbanization in Zirakpur, Panchkula, and surrounding regions, traffic congestion has become a daily struggle. The new six-lane bypass promises to decongest inner city routes, streamline traffic, and boost connectivity between Punjab and Haryana.
Once completed, the project will:
Reduce travel time between Chandigarh, Zirakpur, and Panchkula
Ease pressure on National Highway 7 (NH-7)
Enhance logistics flow and daily commutes
🌱 Beyond Roads: Habitat Restoration & Afforestation Plans
Post-construction, the Forest Department has also planned for:
Afforestation drives around the elevated corridor
Habitat restoration to support local flora and fauna
Monitoring of wildlife movement using smart surveillance
These steps will ensure long-term biodiversity conservation and make the corridor a model project for future eco-conscious infrastructure developments across India.
🔑 Key Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Zirakpur Bypass Wildlife Corridor |
| Total Length | 19.2 km |
| Elevated Wildlife Corridor Length | 3 km |
| Total Project Cost | ₹1,878.31 crore |
| Wildlife Corridor Cost | ₹200 crore |
| Forest Area Protected | 400 acres |
| Location | Peer Muchalla, Zirakpur (Punjab) |
| Key Species Protected | Leopards, Sambars, Wild Boars |
| Project Model | Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) |
| Expected Benefits | Traffic relief, wildlife preservation, afforestation |
📈 Why This Matters: The Future of Eco-Friendly Urban Planning
India is at a crossroads where infrastructure growth must coexist with environmental preservation. The Zirakpur elevated wildlife corridor serves as a national model showing how sustainable development is not only possible but essential.
With this first-of-its-kind project in Punjab, the state is making a powerful statement about prioritizing eco-sensitive infrastructure and urban planning that works with nature—not against it.
📍 Location Snapshot: Where Will the Wildlife Corridor Be?
🗺 Peer Muchalla Forest, along the Ghaggar River, is a biodiversity hotspot. Situated adjacent to key urban centers like:
Zirakpur (Punjab)
Panchkula (Haryana)
Mohali & Chandigarh Tricity Region
The area acts as a critical green belt and migration route for wildlife—now protected by this elevated bypass.
📢 Conclusion: A New Chapter for Zirakpur & Punjab
The Zirakpur wildlife corridor project is not just about roads—it’s about vision. A vision where progress doesn’t uproot nature but rather integrates with it. As construction begins, this project marks a major step forward in how Indian cities can grow without compromising on their ecological responsibilities.
Stay updated on www.GarahPravesh.com for more news on real estate developments, infrastructure updates, and eco-smart urban planning in Zirakpur.
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