5 recommendations after observations ... to prevent elephant - train collisions

5 recommendations after observations ...

to prevent elephant - train collisions

Several incidents were reported about elephants becoming a prey to trains ... bringing a shock to those who were witnesses to such tragedies. It was because of that the Ministry of Transport appointed a committee last 28th to tackle this problem and prevent such incidents.

As such, a survey was carried out from October 11th onwards on the Northern - Eastern railway lines comprising a team of 14 persons engaged in preparing a blueprint by surveying locations where

elephants used to roam. In this connection a team from Wildlife Department and a team involved in  preventing elephants colliding with trains conducted this survey by using a railway motor trolley. Accordingly 5 recommendations were presented for preventing elephants coming in contact with trains after acquiring data by perusing the nature of the behaviour of elephants.

The said proposal included clearance of shrub jungle area on either side upto 30 metres of the track providing a clear view for train-drivers, enforcing speed limits already in existence (maximum 40 mph), installing overhead bridges for elephants providing facility for elephants to cross by eliminating obstructions presently seen by erecting underground bridges, and electric circuits, rail sleepers being installed as barriers and to install alarm signals. Ministry sources say that these proposals are bound to come into force in the future with necessary steps going into action.