NFR to install canopy bridges inside Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary

Maligaon: As a part of the policy of Indian Railways to protect wildlife species including the rare and endangered ones, Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is committed to taking appropriate steps towards that end.

Wherever in the country, railway lines pass through forest areas or sanctuaries, necessary steps are taken to prevent mishaps.

Giving details, Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer of NFR said that the Railway line that passes through the Gibbon sanctuary in the Jorhat district of Assam inhabitants the rare Hoolock Gibbon.

These apes are highly arboreal species. So, NFR is taking measures to enable these species to cross the railway track that bifurcates the sanctuary.

In consultation with Assam State Forest Department, Wildlife Institute of India and all stakeholders it has been decided to install Canopy Bridges inside the sanctuary.

These Canopy Bridges will be installed at several identified points to facilitate the easy access of arboreal species for movement from one part of the railway track to the other.

Assam State Forest Department has already submitted a design with an estimate for the installation of Canopy Bridges over the railway tracks.

The design was prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India in consultation with NFR. N. F. Railway has already deposited the estimated amount in the month of February 2024 for the installation of the Canopy Bridge by the Forest Department of Assam.

He said that the ends of the Canopy Bridges as well as the knots will be secured and clamped/tightened using appropriate and high-grade fastening materials and techniques.

As a fail-safe mechanism, safety nets will be installed below the main twin-rope bridge to save the species, accidentally falling off the bridges. 

The Canopy Rope Bridges will be installed in such a way that over the long term natural elements like lianas and creepers will be guided along the rope bridges so as to help them creep and form part of a hybrid (or semi-artificial) design centred around the rope canopy bridge.

NFR in consultation with the forest department of the respective state are taking necessary steps as suggested at every possible location to protect the endangered species from being extinct.