RAJAJI AUTHORITIES OBJECT TO INCREASE IN TRAIN SPEED

DEHRADUN: Rajaji Tiger Reserve administration wrote to the Indian Railways on Thursday expressing dissent over the latter’s decision to increase train speed from 35kmph to 100kmph while passing through the reserve.

DK Singh, director of Rajaji said, “Taking cognisance of media reports regarding change of train speed while passing through the reserve, I have written to the railway authorities to reconsider the decision.”

“As per the norms of the union environment ministry and the Nainital High Court, speed limit of trains passing through Rajaji should not be more than 35kmph as it is a wildlife sensitive area with regular movement. The train speed had been specially reduced to ensure that animals such as elephants, leopards and tigers do not get killed by getting hit by trains,” he added.

In 2015, the National Board for Wildlife in a standing committee had decided that, “Speed limit of trains shall be followed strictly up to 35kmph at night and 40kmph during day time.”

In 2016, the Nainital High Court had ordered, “Forest department is directed to set up a monitoring cell to track movement of elephants and other wild animals and to inform railway authorities. There shall be coordination between the forest department and the railways. Railway authorities are directed to ensure that speed of trains should not be more than 30km/ hr…”

Elephant deaths after being hit by trains is a major problem in the Rajaji landscape.