Road Construction Department (RCD), Government of Jharkhand in order to explore the necessity and feasibility of providing Construction of Overpass for Elephant Corridor at chainage – 11.450 Km Sonua-Pansua-Ludai-Gudri road, in West – Singhbhum District in the state of Jharkhand for safe movement for elephant and other fauna.
Scope of the Project
The scope of this project includes the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed elephant corridor overpass. The work covers the introduction and general overview of the project, along with detailed site information and the exact location of the proposed overpass to ensure safe wildlife movement and minimize human–animal conflict. The project also involves topographical survey and site assessment to understand the existing terrain, road alignment, and surrounding environmental conditions required for the design and planning of the structure.
Further, the scope includes preparation of a detailed cost estimate consisting of the detailed cost abstract, abstract of cost, and analysis of rates for various construction activities. Quantity take-offs and detailed quantity calculations are also included to ensure accurate estimation of materials and resources required for the project. Structural design components such as RCC design calculations, bar bending schedules, and reinforcement details are prepared to ensure structural stability, safety, and compliance with engineering standards.
In addition, the project scope includes conducting a sub-surface exploration study to evaluate soil characteristics and foundation conditions for the proposed structure. Based on the investigation results, suitable foundation and structural design parameters are developed. The DPR also includes preparation of detailed engineering drawings such as topographical survey drawings, general arrangement drawings, shrubbery bed layout, girder details, abutment details, deck slab reinforcement drawings, longitudinal sections of RCC girders, junction details, retaining wall details, and elastomeric bearing details. These drawings provide complete technical guidance for the construction and implementation of the elephant corridor overpass.
Saranda forest is a dense forest in the hilly region of West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum, Saraikela district in the Indian state of Jharkhand. This area used to be the private hunting reserve of the Singh Deo family (the erstwhile royal family of Saraikela). The forest covers an area of 820 km². Saranda (Serengda) literally means “800 hills in local language”.
The reserved forests are the haunt of many animals. Wild elephants are common in Saranada and Porahat forests. It is an important overlapping habitat of the elephants from adjacent Kedunjhar (Keonjhar) district of Orissa. Herds of sambar and chital roam about the forests. Bison is still found. Tigers were never numerous but they are there. Leopards are more common.
The Singhbhum Elephant Reserve, the first Elephant Reserve of the Country, was created in 2001 under the Project Elephant, comprising an area of 13,440 Sq. Km. in East and West Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan Districts (old Singhbhum District) for scientific and planned management aimed at conservation of Elephant habitats and viable population of wild Asiatic Elephants in Jharkhand, ecological restoration of their existing natural habitats and migratory routes, mitigating Human-Elephant conflicts inproblem areas, moderating pressure of human and their live-stock on crucial Elephant habitats, protection from poachers, etc. Besides 8910.10 Sq. Km. of non-forest area, the Reserve includes 4529.90 Sq. Km. of forest area, subsuming the ntire Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, and has been divided into the management units of Core Area (2577.38 Sq.km) and Buffer Area (1952.52 Sq.km). An Asian elephant can grow to 18-21 ft. (5.5-6.4 meters) in length, and weigh 4,000- 11,000 lbs. (2-5 tons/1,800-5,000 kilograms) and stand 8-10 ft. at the shoulder (2-3. meters). The Asian elephant is classified as an Endangered Species.
Site Observations:
❖ The new road is constructed in between village DURA to PANSUA. The road is passing through hillock area with cutting the existing hilly portion. Because of this, valley portion is created, which affects the smooth access of wild animals. Now the major animal such as Elephant are crossing these road & natural activities of Elephant and other wild animals are affected.
❖ The pansua reservoir and dam is on North side of Dura-Pansua road. The elephants are likely to use this water however, due to construction of this road the natural activity of Elephants and other animals are disturbed.
