more-in The Maredumilli ghat road in East Godavari district has turned into a death trap for commuters and wild animals as well, prompting the officials to consider curbs on vehicular traffic during the night time. Located in the Eastern ghats, Maredumilli is one of the major attractions in the district drawing tourists from the neighbouring States. The ghat road connects Rajamahendravaram in East Godavari district with Bhadrachalam in Telangana. One can reach Chhattishgarh and Odisha by taking the Chinturu route from Maredumilli, hence the vehicular traffic is considerably high here at any point of time. However, a 30-km stretch is an accident zone, which accounted for frequent accidents and falling of vehicles into the valley, leading to deaths and injuries. Absence of a retaining wall or fence is considered to be the major cause of such accidents. The two-lane ghat road passes through dense forest and road crossing has been turning dangerous for wild animals, since a good number are being hit and killed by vehicles. Gaurs (Indian Bison), leopards and cobras cross the road during the night and the hairpin bends are leading to casualties. The forest officials are thinking of remedial measures, as gaurs and leopards are endangered species. The proposal to curb vehicular movement has been long pending. According to a senior official, the idea is to prevent the movement of vehicles from the outskirts of Maredumilli to the Tiger Camp located about 30 km towards Bhadrachalam. Establishing check-posts on both sides giving exemption only to the RTC services and emergency services like ambulances too formed part of the proposal. “It’s a win-win move as it will reduce accidents and the death of animals as well,” observes the official.

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