Wildlife Deaths Due to Train Collisions
The increasing number of wildlife deaths, including elephants, leopards, and other species, caused by collisions with trains has become a grave conservation challenge. Such accidents threaten India’s rich biodiversity and undermine efforts to safeguard our natural heritage. The Indian Constitution under Article 48A (Directive Principles of State Policy) states that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife. Similarly, Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) obligates every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife, and to have compassion for all living creatures. Protecting wildlife is, therefore, not only a constitutional mandate for the State but also a moral duty of every citizen.
Why Wildlife Collisions Occur
Wildlife, particularly in regions where railway tracks cut across forests and wildlife corridors, is vulnerable to being struck by speeding trains. Large mammals like elephants and leopards often cannot escape in time due to their size and speed, making them especially prone to such accidents. These incidents not only result in tragic loss of animal life but also disrupt ecosystems and conservation efforts.
What Needs to Be Done?
Addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and Indian Railways. Several concrete steps can help mitigate the risk of wildlife collisions:
Coordination Between Agencies
- Enhanced coordination between MoEFCC and Railway authorities is essential to ensure the safety of wildlife. This includes regular communication and joint planning to address problem areas.
Identifying Vulnerable Patches
- Vulnerable stretches of railway tracks that cut across wildlife habitats should be identified as designated wildlife crossing spots. Warning signages should be installed to alert train drivers and railway staff, enabling them to slow down while passing through these areas.
Updating Vulnerability Lists
- The list of vulnerable patches should be updated periodically based on field observations and shared promptly with the railway authorities to ensure timely interventions.
Electronic Tagging of Wildlife
- Prominent wildlife such as elephants and leopards in high-traffic areas should be electronically tagged. This would allow forest and wildlife personnel to monitor their movements and warn railway officials in advance, reducing the likelihood of collisions.
Improving Infrastructure and Communication
- Both forest and railway staff should be equipped with modern communication devices such as walkie-talkies and maintain constant connection with control rooms. This real-time communication is critical for timely action.
Posting Forest Officials at Railway Control Rooms
- In important wildlife areas, forest department personnel should be stationed at railway control rooms. This would enable them to inform railway staff of animal movements and allow preventive measures to be taken well in advance.
Sensitizing Personnel
- Strict instructions should be issued to all field-level railway and forest staff, emphasizing the importance of wildlife protection and conservation. Regular training and awareness programmes can reinforce their commitment to the cause.