Question : CONSTRUCTION OF ELEVATED TRACKS

(a) whether the Railways propose to construct elevated railway tracks in vulnerable forest areas in the country to allow safe passage to wild animals;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the proposal will be implemented;

(c) whether there has been an increase in the number of elephants dying on railway tracks in the country particularly in West Bengal in the recent past;

(d) if so, the details thereof for the past one year, State-wise;

(e) whether the Railways have conducted any inquiry into such incidents;

(f) if so, the outcome thereof; and

(g) the steps taken by the Railways to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS(SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) to (g): A Statement is attached.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (g) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 615 BY SHRIMATI BOTCHA JHANSHI LAKSHMI TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 11.11.2010 REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF ELEVATED TRACKS

(a): No, Madam.

(b): Does not arise.

(c) & (d): Since the figures are not maintained State-wise, number of elephant deaths in 2010 is 18 on Northeast Frontier Railway.

(e) & (f): Inquiries have been conducted at Divisional level. It has been found that the Forest Department is not providing adequate information about movement of herds of elephant for railway to initiate immediate preventive measures.

(g): Ministry of Railways in consultation with Ministry of Environment and Forests has taken action including issue of an Advisory to Zonal Railways to prevent train accident involving elephants.