Alert Train Driver Prevents Tragedy, Saves Elephant Herd in Keonjhar
A potentially tragic incident was averted in Keonjhar district on Friday when an alert goods train driver demonstrated exceptional vigilance. The driver spotted a herd of 14 elephants crossing the railway tracks near Bedabandha and immediately brought the locomotive to a complete stop.
Elephants' Cautious Crossing Captured on Video
Initially, four elephants including two calves turned back upon seeing the approaching train. Once they realized the train had stopped, the entire herd carefully crossed the tracks. The heartwarming moment was captured on video and subsequently went viral across various social media platforms, drawing widespread attention to wildlife conservation efforts.
After successfully crossing the railway tracks, the entire elephant herd safely returned to the nearby forest. The incident highlights the delicate balance between human infrastructure and wildlife habitats in the region.
Forest Officials Spring into Action
Forest officials and specialized elephant squads promptly reached the location upon receiving information about the incident. Their immediate priority was ensuring the elephants' safe return to their natural habitat. The officials actively guided the animals back into the forest and closely monitored their movement patterns to prevent any further incidents.
Officials confirmed that the area near Namira village in the Bamebari section of Champua range falls within an established elephant corridor. While elephant crossings occur frequently in this region, past incidents have unfortunately resulted in injuries and fatalities, making this successful prevention particularly significant.
Proactive Measures for Wildlife Protection
Range officer Akshay Chhatria explained the existing coordination between forest authorities and railway officials. "We regularly monitor the movement of elephant herds and inform railway officials whenever elephants approach the tracks," Chhatria stated, emphasizing their proactive approach to wildlife protection.
Sources familiar with the region's geography revealed that in the Joda-Barbil mining belt, railway tracks cut through several forest patches. This geographical reality leads to frequent elephant crossings as the animals move between different habitats in search of food and water resources.
The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of driver awareness and inter-departmental coordination in protecting India's precious wildlife. The viral video has sparked conversations about railway safety measures in wildlife corridors and the need for continued vigilance to prevent human-animal conflicts.
