(a) whether Wildlife Reserves in the country are under threat of deadly crossings which causes fatality of many animals and humans;
(b) if so, the details of fatality reported in last five years in different reserves due to unsafe railway and highway passing;
(c) the details of the study report of the Wildlife Institute of India and scientists for the safeguard of wildlife’s therein; and
(d) the action taken by the Government to ensure the protection of wildlife in such reserves?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) Cases of occurrence of death of wildlife on roads/railway lines passing through National Parks and Sanctuaries has come to the notice of this Ministry.
(b) Protection of wildlife in the wildlife reserves is the mandate of the concerned State/UT Governments. Information available with the Ministry regarding tiger and elephant fatalities due to road and railways during the last five years is given in the Annexure.
(c)
The Wildlife Institute of India conducted a long term (2008-2012) study of the ‘Ecological effects of road through sensitive habitats: Implications for wildlife conservation’. The study recommended several measures for preventing road induced impacts for harmonising conservation and development. The information generated through this study has been published as a document ‘Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts of Linear Infrastructure’.
(d) The action taken by the Government for protection of wildlife in such reserves are as below:
i. A general advisory has been issued jointly to all the railway zones and relevant States Governments suggesting measures to prevent collision of trains with wild elephants. Some of the important recommendations are given below:
(a) Clearance of vegetation on the sides of railway tracks.
(b) Underpasses/overpasses/girder bridges across vulnerable stretches of railway tracks to allow safe passage elephants.
(c) Signage boards at selected points to alert train drivers.
(d) Sensitization programmes for Train Drivers/Guards/Station Masters.
(e) Engagement of elephant trackers and communication with Station Masters.
(f) To keep Railway tracks free from food wastes, that attracts elephants.
ii. A permanent coordination committee has been constituted jointly by the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Environment and Forests to share information and monitor the implementation of the advisory.
iii. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is funding a project to the Wildlife Institute of India to assess and mitigate impacts of linear infrastructure in 3 landscapes viz. North Eastern, Central Indian and Western Ghats to refine strategies for mitigation.
iv. Sensitization workshops are periodically arranged for linear infrastructure developers.
v. The Standing Committee of NBWL recommends the proposals for developmental project for construction/repair of roads passing through Wildlife sanctuaries, National Parks, buffer zones along with mitigation measures on a case to case basis.
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