Title - WILDLIFE SAFETY Clear bushes alongside railway tracks: WTI

Dehradun :With the arrival of the monsoon, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has suggested for clearing up of bushes and mounds near the curves on vulnerable stretches alongside railway tracks that criss-cross the Rajaji National Park and is part of the WTI’s successful Rajaji Train Hit Mitigation Project.A meeting was organised by the WTI for field staff of the state Forest Department and the Indian Railways aimed to interact with senior officials to discuss ways to strengthen existing mitigation measures which have helped maintain zero elephant mortality in the park since 2002.It was strongly suggested at the meeting to clear the bushes and mounds near the curves on vulnerable stretches.“Bushes grow tall during rainy season and it often affects the visibility of the loco pilots. An animal standing alongside railway track is not visible due to thick bushes, often making these animals vulnerable to accident,” said Dr Anil Kumar Singh, Deputy Director and Regional Head, WTI, adding that it was important to clear 15 to 20 m along both sides of the tracks so that loco-pilots could anticipate the movement of animals and take necessary action.Further, it was decided to strengthen joint night patrolling and laying emphasis on awareness training of loco-pilots and ground staff. As many loco drivers have either retired or have been transferred all these years and thus making the new staff aware of the intricacies of the project was also one of the reasons behind staging of meeting.

The WTI also felt it necessary to recognise field staff that contributes in averting train accidents and particularly the loco drivers.

“The Railway’s loco drivers must also be honoured for their contribution towards safeguarding the Rajaji’s wildlife,” Dr Singh said. He pointed out that railway track patrolling in other way was also quite beneficial for the Rajaji park as it even helped in checking other anti-forest and anti-wildlife activities.

It is to be noted that 20 elephants were killed on railway tracks inside the Rajaji between 1998 and 2002, but after the Rajaji Train Hit Mitigation was initiated, no such death has taken place. Wildlife Warden, Rajaji National Park, BK Singh, and Additional Divisional Mechanical Engineer (Power), Northern Railways, Moradabad Division, BM Siddiqui, who attended the meeting, have assured full support for better coordination and patrolling to maintain the effort.

SCENARIO

It is to be noted that 20 elephants were killed on railway tracks inside the Rajaji National Park between 1998 and 2002, but after the Rajaji Train Hit Mitigation Project was initiated, no such death has taken place