Railway Infrastructure in Palamu Tiger Reserve Set for Major Relocation
In a significant move to protect wildlife, two railway stations and three railway lines located within the core area of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand are slated for relocation soon, as confirmed by officials. This decision aims to mitigate risks to the reserve's diverse fauna and address long-standing fragmentation issues.
Government Collaboration for Conservation
The Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change is actively engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Railways to facilitate the relocation of Hehegara and Chhipadohar railway stations, along with three adjacent railway tracks. These stations, under the Dhanbad division of East Central Railways, serve as crucial transport links, with up to 125 trains operating daily on these routes.
S R Natesha, the Regional Chief Conservator of Forest and Field Director of PTR, emphasized the urgency of this relocation. "This has been a long-pending issue as the PTR remains fragmented due to the railway infrastructure. Not only the railway lines, but a state highway also traverses the reserve. While railway relocation is currently prioritized, we will subsequently advocate for shifting the state highway as well," he stated on Wednesday.
Benefits for Railways and Wildlife
Natesha highlighted that the relocation will yield mutual advantages. "Presently, railways are required to enforce a speed limit of 25 kmph and ensure continuous whistling to safeguard wildlife. Relocating these assets will relieve the railways of these safety mandates, enhancing operational efficiency," he explained.
Railway sources provided specific details on the relocation plans:
- Hehegara station will be moved approximately 5 km away from its current location.
- Chhipadohar station will be relocated to Kuchila, about 1.75 km distant.
- The three railway lines, each measuring 11.5 km, will be extended to a total length of 18.5 km post-relocation, connecting from Gua to Kuchila.
Land Acquisition and Additional Measures
However, the relocation process faces a hurdle as railways await the acquisition of over 365 acres of land. "The required land comprises private, government, and forest areas, necessitating careful coordination," noted railway officials.
In parallel, deliberations are ongoing for constructing a tunnel or underpass near the 'chicken neck' area of the Betla National Park, further enhancing wildlife safety and connectivity within the reserve.
This initiative underscores a growing commitment to balancing infrastructure development with ecological preservation, setting a precedent for similar conservation efforts across India.
