Passenger Association Demands Railway Underpasses to Protect Elephants in Jharkhand
In a significant move to address the escalating conflict between wildlife and railway infrastructure, the Jharkhand Passengers' Association has issued a formal appeal to the Ranchi Railway Division. The association is urging the immediate construction of underpasses beneath railway lines that intersect key elephant corridors across the state.
Formal Letter Follows Recent Tragic Incident
The association directed its written appeal to Ranchi Divisional Railway Manager Karuna Nidhi Singh on Wednesday, expressing deep concern over the recurring and tragic incidents of elephant fatalities on railway tracks. This urgent communication was prompted by a particularly distressing event that occurred on Monday.
A sub-adult elephant was killed after being struck by a goods train between Nindra and Mahua Milaan railway stations in Latehar district. The aftermath of this collision saw another elephant from the same herd block the railway line for several hours, compelling authorities to suspend all train movement on that critical route, causing significant disruption.
Root Causes and Proposed Solutions
Prem Kataruka, the secretary of the Jharkhand Passengers' Association, detailed the core issues in the letter. He explained that the movement of wild animals, particularly elephants, onto active railway lines is primarily driven by their search for essential resources like food and water. This behavior has led to a disturbing pattern of accidents.
"The herd was in search of water. In view of this, we have appealed to the railway authorities to construct underpasses as a preventive measure," Kataruka stated, highlighting the direct link between habitat needs and railway danger.
These incidents result in a triple negative impact:
- Severe harm and death to protected elephant populations.
- Major inconvenience and potential safety risks for railway passengers due to delays and suspensions.
- Substantial operational and financial losses for the Indian Railways network.
The association's proposal for dedicated underpasses is presented as a long-term, infrastructural solution. These passages would allow elephants and other wildlife to safely cross beneath the tracks, thereby mitigating the risk of collisions, reducing passenger disruptions, and preventing railway losses, while supporting crucial wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
