Laximinarayanan,

Thanks for updating us. I would love some more data and the views of the Railways. Most of the deaths don't get properly recorded, especially of smaller mammals. This is an unfortunate situation that is happening in various parts of India.

Our development planners have no clue about the importance of our wilderness and wildlife.

There can be a short term and long term solution to this issue. As a short term measure, all trains passing through the area should be asked to maintain speed limits. 65 kmph for passenger trains is too high as the braking distance will be very high. Strick instructions to this effect would help.

As a long term measure, one needs to look at alternate alignments of the train lines. Also, in places where alternate alignments are not possible, one needs to create overpass and underpass for the passage of wildlife.

We will support the groups taking up this issue and we will take up this cause with the appropriate authorities like our previous campaigns.

Cheers,
Sabyasachi