Zero elephant deaths on Rajaji railway track

Over 20 elephants had been killed here between 1987 and 2001. A Rapid Action Project Study by WTI-IFAW had suggested mitigation measures that included joint night patrolling along critical sections, and repairing and desilting of waterbodies on the southern side so that elephants were not forced to cross over in the summer. If elephant herds were observed, nearby railway stations were informed to warn drivers to slow down or stop the trains. The railways also flattened steep mounds adjoining the tracks to ease elephant movement. Drivers were sensitised, workshops conducted for railway and forest department staff and commendable efforts awarded. However, the diversion of traffic via Rishikesh to Dehradun must be encouraged as a long-term solution.

August 2008