A tragic incident unfolded in Nagpur's Seminary Hills forest range, where a male sambar deer lost its life after being run over by a train. The accident has raised concerns about wildlife safety near railway tracks passing through forested areas.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The unfortunate event occurred on a Saturday morning. Forest department officials received information about the casualty and promptly arrived at the scene. The incident took place near the popular Japanese Garden area, a location within the Seminary Hills forest range that is frequented by both locals and wildlife.
The deceased was identified as an adult male sambar deer, a species protected under Schedule III of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This legal status highlights the significance of the loss. Officials from the Seminary Hills forest range confirmed the details and have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Location and Immediate Aftermath
The precise spot where the deer was struck is along the railway tracks that cut through the forested landscape. The area is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, making this incident particularly distressing for conservationists and nature enthusiasts.
Following standard procedure for such cases, forest department staff conducted a panchnama (spot inspection and documentation) at the site. This official report is a crucial step in recording the incident for administrative and legal purposes. After the necessary documentation was completed, the remains of the sambar deer were removed from the railway tracks.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Concerns
The forest range office has taken up the matter for further investigation. Key questions being examined include the exact time of the incident, the train involved, and what might have led the deer onto the tracks. Such accidents, while not daily occurrences, point to a persistent conflict between infrastructure and wildlife habitats.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by linear infrastructure like railways and roads that fragment forest corridors. Nagpur, often called the 'Tiger Capital of India', is surrounded by rich forests and wildlife corridors. Ensuring safe passage for animals across these man-made barriers remains a significant challenge for forest and railway authorities.
While the immediate focus is on this specific case, the broader issue of mitigating wildlife casualties on transport routes continues to be a topic of discussion among environmentalists and policymakers in the region.
