Highway Havoc: Bengaluru-Mysuru Road Turns Deadly for Birds and Wildlife

The Bengaluru-Mysuru highway (NH 275) is becoming increasingly hazardous, with numerous bird fatalities reported over the past year. Conservationist Gouri Shivayogi has documented over 40 bird deaths and witnessed hundreds of others struck by vehicles in a span of just 12 months.

Gouri, who frequently commutes between Bengaluru and Mysuru, describes the highway as a death zone for scavenger birds, primarily Brahminy kites, black kites, owls, and coucals, which feed on roadkill. She began recording the locations of bird carcasses from December 2023 to January 2025, using geotagging, and soon identified hotspots where fatalities occurred most often, including areas near Bidadi industrial zone, Channapatna, a mosque between Channapatna and Maddur, and flyovers in Maddur and Mandya.

Despite Gouri’s repeated efforts, officials from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) have been unresponsive. In December, she submitted a detailed report, highlighting the peak season for bird deaths (December to March) and suggesting solutions, such as increased signage to warn drivers. However, she noted that the root cause of the problem lies in the absence of barriers preventing animals from entering the road. Forest department officials added that leopards and other animals have also fallen victim to speeding vehicles.

Furthermore, the chainlink fences installed by NHAI are damaged in several places, allowing animals to wander onto the road. Gouri has repeatedly reached out to NHAI officials, but no action has been taken so far.

Read also: