Tragedy on Tracks: Elephant-Train Collision Sparks Wildlife Concerns

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav reports on a deadly collision between a train and elephants in Assam, emphasizing the need for better coordination between railway and forest departments. With 1,100 identified accident hotspots, the government urges states to monitor elephant movements along tracks, amid concerns over unutilized conservation funds.

In a tragic incident, a herd of elephants was struck by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam's Hojai district, resulting in eight deaths. The collision also led to the derailing of five train coaches and its engine.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav stated that the Centre has called for a detailed report on the accident. He emphasized the importance of coordination between railway authorities and forest departments to monitor elephant movements along railway tracks, highlighting that there are 1,100 elephant accident zones nationwide.

Despite the allocation of Rs 112 crore for the Sundarbans Tiger project and Rs 344 crore for elephant conservation, these funds remain largely unused. Yadav stressed the need for balanced ecological development to boost tourism in biodiversity-rich areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)