Tusker captured on camera using Karnataka’s first elephant overpass in south Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Achieving a significant milestone in wildlife conservation in Bengaluru's backyard, the forest department Sunday documented elephants crossing Karnataka's first elephant overpass on NH-209 near Tataguni, on the outskirts of south Bengaluru. Built by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to facilitate the movement of elephants between the Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) and the Savandurga forests in Ramanagara district, this was the first time elephants were officially recorded using the overpass since its construction.Officials noticed elephant movement in and around Anepalya and BM Kaval areas on the western side of NH-209, Friday and Saturday. However, with no elephant dung or footprints found on the highway, officials were puzzled about how the animals crossed the busy road. Suspecting that the elephants may have used the overpass, the Bengaluru Urban forest division installed camera traps along the structure Saturday.Much to their surprise, a tusker was captured on camera crossing the overpass in the early hours of Sunday at 3.58am, confirming that elephants began to use the structure. The overpass, completed in 2024 at a cost of over Rs 20 crore, was specifically designed to enable safe passage for wildlife across the highway.An official said: "Over the years, many refused to believe that this stretch is part of an elephant corridor. But now it is established beyond doubt that this is indeed part of a jumbo corridor. The cameras captured leopards and other wildlife using the overpass."The official said the overpass was later modified to make it more suitable for wildlife movement. After taking charge as deputy conservator of forests, Bengaluru, senior forest officer N Ravindra Kumar directed NHAI contractors to create slopes on both sides of the structure and improve the habitat around it. Over the last two years, hundreds of fruit-bearing trees and bamboo were planted on the overpass in collaboration with resident welfare associations and NGOs by Bengaluru Urban forest division, transforming the structure into a forest-like patch that encourages wildlife movement.The overpass was constructed following the death of an elephant in March 2023 after it collided with a BMTC bus while attempting to cross the highway. Measuring 40 metres in width and 45 metres in length, the structure is located a few metres behind the historic Roerich and Devika Rani Roerich Estate on Kanakapura Road.