Agartala: The Tripura government has formally requested the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to construct two-three underpasses along the Mungiakami elephant corridor in Khowai district.
This initiative aims to ensure the safe and unhindered movement of elephants while the NHIDCL upgrades the National Highway 8.
The NHIDCL is working on upgrading the Chakmaghat-Teliamura section of the highway. Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, RK Samal, shared the government’s concerns with PTI, stating that the addition of underpasses would aid in preventing further accidents involving elephants.
The recent death of a full-grown male elephant in Mungiakami after being struck by a train on December 31 raised serious concerns. The elephant’s death has been a significant setback to conservation efforts, particularly for the herd of 20 elephants, which had only two full-grown males. The loss of one male elephant will likely affect the population of jumbos in the area.
To address this issue, the Forest Department has urged the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) to take immediate measures, including limiting train speeds within the corridor and constructing underpasses and overbridges to prevent accidents. The department has also requested the NFR to install fencing along both sides of the railway tracks. However, there has been no positive response from the NFR regarding these requests.
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