Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Conservationists and local residents are raising alarms after two endangered Golden Langurs died in vehicle collisions along the Bismuri-Saralpara Road. The incidents occurred within the Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park, where the Public Works Department is currently widening the road.
The Golden Langur, which serves as the official mascot of the Bodoland Territorial Region, is an arboreal primate that relies on canopy connections to move through the 316.29 square kilometer park. Environmentalists report that the road project has removed critical roadside trees, forcing the animals to descend to the ground where they face a higher risk of being struck by vehicles.
Stakeholders are now calling on the BTC Forest Department and national park authorities to coordinate with the Public Works Department to prevent further losses. Proposed safety measures include installing canopy bridges or rope crossings to restore travel routes for the primates. Experts also suggest implementing speed breakers, rumble strips, and stricter traffic regulations to protect the species as the road project continues.
The Golden Langur remains one of the most threatened species in western Assam and neighboring Bhutan. There is significant concern that increased traffic volume following the completion of the road will exacerbate these risks if wildlife safeguards are not immediately integrated into the infrastructure plans.
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