A canopy bridge at Koira forest in Odisha’s Sundargarh district is saving the lives of monkeys, squirrels and other wildlife living on trees. These small animals often come under the wheels of heavy trucks carrying iron-ore through the forest. Photo: Ashis Senapati
A canopy bridge at Koira forest in Odisha’s Sundargarh district is saving the lives of monkeys, squirrels and other wildlife living on trees. These small animals often come under the wheels of heavy trucks carrying iron ore through the forest. Photo: Ashis Senapati
In the absence of tree cover, arboreal animals (animals that live on trees) were forced to cross the roads or even use electric lines. Sundargarh’s Bonai forest division came up with the solution to build a bridge between the trees for a safe passageway. Photo: Ashis Senapati
The 15-metre-long canopy bridge, made of bamboo and jute, has been built on the busy Tensa-Barsuan road. Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) has collaborated with the forest department for the bridge. More such bridges are planned. Photo: Ashis Senapati
The industrial district is mineral-rich. Many vehicles, including heavy trucks, go through the forest, carrying iron and manganese. As roads become wider and busier, it becomes riskier for the small animals to cross them. Photo: Ashis Senapati
Concrete and metal structures like barricades and chain links can make crossing even more difficult for monkeys and squirrels. With the bamboo and jute canopy, constructed for Rs 40,000, the animals can safely and easily cross over. Photo: Ashis Senapati
