(a) the number of animal deaths recorded due to train accidents during the last three years and the current year;
(b) whether the animals injured in accidents are provided proper treatment;
(c) the list of places providing such care/treatment, State/UT-wise; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to protect wildlife from train accidents?
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) to (d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 223 BY SHRIMATI PRATIMA MONDAL TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 04.12.2019 REGARDING ANIMAL DEATHS DUE TO TRAIN ACCIDENTS
(a) to (c) The desired information regarding number of animals deaths recorded due to train accidents during the last three years and current year covering 16 Zonal Railways is quite spread out & extensive and requires sufficient time for compilation.
In case of injury of animals due to train accidents, the matter is immediately intimated to Forest Department under concerned State Government for due care and treatment.
(d) Steps taken by Zonal Railways in coordination with Ministry of Environment and Forest to curb the death of animals while crossing railway track, include the following:
(i) Imposition of speed restrictions in identified locations,
(ii) Provision of signage board for pre-warning the train crew about animal crossings zones,
(iii) Sensitization of Train Crew and Station Masters on a regular basis,
(iv) Need based clearance of vegetation on the sides of the track within railway land,
(v) Construction of underpasses and ramps for the movement of wildlife at identified locations,
(vi) Provision of fencing at isolated locations,
(vii) Forest Department staff deputed in Railway control offices to liaison with Railway and elephant trackers engaged by Forest Department for timely action by alerting station master and loco pilots,
(viii) Honey bee sound systems have been installed at locations which are prone to crossing of elephants,
(ix) Counseling of villagers for avoiding cattle coming near track.
*****