Infrastructure must be made wildlifefriendly

India’s development agencies must learn from the efforts of the Indian Railways

The Indian Railways has imposed speed restrictions of 30kmph to 50kmph along several stretches of tracks in the Northeast to ensure that trains don’t crash into elephants. This decision was taken after data showed that 70 elephants have died after being hit by trains since 2013. The stretches where trains will slow down include 62 elephant corridors. There’s also a plan to build ramps at locations frequented by elephants to let them cross without getting hit by trains.

In 2017, the Indian Railways put in place a unique system to save pachyderms: At select level crossings, the sound of honeybees is played to keep elephants away from tracks. Such steps must be acknowledged, and hopefully inspire others to take preventive steps to ensure India’s wildlife doesn’t pay the price for our development needs. One of the recommendations of the ministry of environment and forests on guidelines for roads in protected areas says, “Wherever possible, natural animal crossings existing across roads should be retained or encouraged.” Where natural passes are not possible, it adds, there should be well-designed tunnels or culverts for a wide-range of animals.

India’s development agencies must learn from the efforts of the railways and make their plans wildlife-friendly. This is the least they can do for the country’s wildlife, which is facing several challenges, from shrinking habitats to poaching.