A number of wild animal deaths have been reported resulting from collisions with speeding trucks at night on stretches of national highways that cut through forests. A petition has come to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) asking for a suspension of movement of trucks at night through these areas of national highways.

On Wednesday (August 9), an official of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) submitted a report.

The green court suggested an alternative with the use of available technology. It said: “You can install sensors on that part of the highway where animals are crossing. Barriers will close if sensors pick up any moving animal or object crossing the road.”

The NHAI official said: “We are doing an air survey. As soon as it is done, we will submit the report before the bench.”

The next date of hearing is on September 21.

—India Legal Bureau