Speeding train kills five elephants in Assam
Speeding trains are a danger not only to people but also to our rich fauna. Five wild elephants, including a pregnant one, were recently killed after being hit by a train in Assam's Balipara. A dead calf was later extracted from the pregnant elephant. Just three weeks ago, two elephants were killed in the same manner at Thakurkuchi, 19km from state capital Guwahati.
What happened?
The mishap took place at around 1:15am on 10th December, near Bamgaon tea estate, 210km from Guwahati. The herd was crossing the tracks in search of food when the speeding Guwahati-Naharlagun Donyi Polo Express hit them. All five died on the spot. According to Divisional Forest Officer Davinder Suman, "Our staff was focused on another herd of nearly 100 elephants in a different area."
Elephants being driven out of habitats due to deforestation
In 2016, 16 wild elephants were killed by trains. This year, the number has reached 12 till now. Increased deforestation and construction activities near their habitats force elephants out of reserve forests in search of food. The forest department and Railways have taken corrective steps, like increased patrolling near tracks, awareness campaigns etc. Though such accidents have reduced, they haven't stopped completely.
