Even as road-widening work on the Ghodbunder-Gaimukh stretch is underway, city-based nature lovers and forest officials are pushing for stronger wildlife protection measures, including proper signage at identified animal crossing points.

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) authorities have informed the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC), which is carrying out the road expansion, that frequent traffic snarls on the stretch lead to high noise pollution, making it difficult for wild animals to cross safely. Forest department sources told mid-day that a proposal for an elevated wildlife overpass is being planned to ensure the safe movement of animals across the busy corridor.