Plan well to make ECRL safe for wildlife

THERE has been concern over the possible impact of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project on wild animals, some of which are endangered. The ECRL, which links Port Klang to Kota Baru in Kelantan, is a totally new railway line. As such, the project would encounter less constraints and fewer problems compared to widening the present coastal line to the east coast, and proper planning would enable it to have the latest features for the betterment of the environment, humans and wild animals.

One of the more effective ways to prevent wild animal accidents (rail kills) is to ensure that the railway line is constructed as straight as possible, especially in areas where endangered animals like elephants, seladang, tigers, leopards, bears, tapirs, etc are found. A straight line would ensure that the train driver is able to see from afar whether these animals are on the track and thus slow down to prevent an accident. The driver could also use a telescope as an aid for this purpose during the day.

Since the railway line will be electrified, motion detection cameras can be placed in some sensitive areas to detect the presence of animals crossing or straying on the tracks. An electrified fence would be of limited use to keep wild animals off the tracks. It can be dangerous to small animals and could also be destroyed by the larger ones like elephants and seladang.

Power cables for the railway line need to be placed higher as well to ensure that animals such as elephants can cross the track without getting electrocuted.

Viaducts, which would be components of the ECRL, close to the habitats of endangered animals need to have trails or roads on either side to enable wild animals to cross over to the other side safely and without any obstacles. The trails should be between 1km and 3km deep into the forest on either side of the viaduct. Animals, like humans, are accustomed to habit and prefer the path of least resistance; and when animals such as elephants, seladang and tigers start to use these trails, they would avoid the tougher paths to cross the tracks. The Wildlife and Forestry Departments can offer their inputs on these matters.

The ECRL has immense potential as a tourist attraction too, as it would be passing through densely forested areas, scenic landscapes and over large rivers.

One way to enhance its tourist appeal is to plant beautiful flowering trees of Malaysian and tropical origin along the railway reserves. When these trees bloom profusely, they would be a wonderful sight to behold. Imagine gazing at beautiful flowering trees for tens of kilometres on end; it would be like seeing the worldfamous cherry blossoms in Japan.

It is hoped the ECRL would have safety features for wild animals and also be a big tourist draw for the east coast.