Railway, forest officials mull strategy after elephant deaths on tracks

In the grim aftermath of yet another fatal collision between a speeding train and an elephant herd, top brass from the Railways and Forest Department huddled in an emergency coordination meeting on Saturday, seeking a decisive strategy to prevent further bloodshed on Bengal's forest tracks.

- BISWABRATA GOSWAMI

The high-level meeting, convened a day after three elephants including two were mowed down ~ calves near Banshtala railway gate in Jhargram, was held at the Hijli office of the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF). The session was co-chaired by Mr Sandeep Sundriyal, CCF, and Mr K.R. Chaudhary, Divisional Railway Manager of the South Eastern Railway's Kharagpur Division.

Friday's accident involving the Howrah-bound Janshatabdi Express (Train No. 12022) has reignited long-standing concerns over wildlife safety in Junglemahal, where railway lines weave precariously through elephant corridors.