Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Unveils Innovative Solution to Safeguard Elephants in Vulnerable Areas
Cutting-Edge Technology Aims to Mitigate Train-Related Incidents and Boost Wildlife Conservation
In a significant move, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has revealed a groundbreaking and ambitious initiative to address challenges faced by elephants in prone areas.
Railway’s Commitment to Elephant Conservation
Minister Vaishnaw underscored the railway’s unwavering commitment to tackling issues prevalent in elephant-prone regions. The introduction of a novel technology, initiated as a pilot project last year, has undergone successful testing along a 150-kilometer stretch in Assam’s elephant-prone region.
₹181 Crore Expansion Plan for 700KM Coverage
As part of an expansive plan, the technology is slated to be implemented across 700 kilometers of elephant-prone areas in the coming months. The estimated project cost stands at ₹181 Crore, signaling a substantial investment in wildlife conservation efforts.
Benefiting Multiple Regions
This pioneering initiative aims to make a positive impact on regions such as Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, Jharkhand, parts of Chhattisgarh, and Tamil Nadu. The primary objective is to reduce the impact of train-related incidents on elephants, contributing significantly to the broader goal of wildlife conservation.
Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that this forward-looking approach aligns with the government’s commitment to harmonize infrastructure development with environmental conservation, showcasing a balance between progress and the protection of India’s rich biodiversity.