A tragic incident in Uttarakhand's Rajaji Tiger Reserve has highlighted the ongoing conflict between wildlife and railway infrastructure. A seven-year-old elephant calf lost its life after being hit by a train in the Haridwar range on Monday, according to forest officials.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The juvenile elephant was walking with its herd when it attempted to cross the railway track. At that moment, the Howrah–Doon Express, which was headed towards Rishikesh, struck the animal. Forest department authorities have confirmed that a case has been registered against the train's loco pilot. The charges have been filed under sections 2, 9 and 39 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Speed Limits and Rising Death Toll
This accident brings into sharp focus the mandated speed restrictions for trains passing through protected forest areas. Guidelines from the National Board for Wildlife clearly state that trains must not exceed 40 km/hr during daylight hours and 35 km/hr at night in these sensitive zones.
This incident marks the second elephant death caused by a train in Uttarakhand within this year alone. With this latest casualty, the total number of elephant deaths in the state for the year has climbed to 29. Official forest records provide a breakdown of the causes: three elephants died due to electrocution, two (including this latest) in train accidents, six from reasons still under investigation, and three as a result of fights. Reports for the remaining deaths are currently awaited.
A Broader Pattern of Conflict
The data reveals a worrying trend. The previous year, 2023, saw 18 elephants die from causes including electrocution and collisions with trains. Officials note a sharp increase in male elephant deaths, which are strongly linked to human-elephant conflict, loss of natural habitat, and the animals' increased movement outside traditional forest boundaries. Forest department statistics indicate that nearly 60% of all tusker deaths recorded since the year 2000 have involved male elephants.
The death of the young calf underscores the urgent need for effective mitigation measures to prevent such tragedies and protect India's precious elephant population.
