The People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation has expressed deep concern over the continued operation of trains through protected wildlife sanctuaries without the promised safety measures being implemented.
In a recent statement, they demanded the construction of adequate overpasses, underpasses, proper fencing on both sides of the railway, installation of monitoring systems to prevent train collisions, and other necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the wildlife.
The PAW Foundation has specifically called for an immediate suspension of train services through these sanctuaries until all safety measures are fully in place.
They stressed the need for the Ministry of Forests and Environment, the Ministry of Railways, and relevant authorities to respond to public concern and take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the sanctuaries and their wildlife.
Their demands come in light of the tragic death of a baby elephant, which was hit by a train on October 13 in the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary.
The elephant, critically injured in the accident involving the Eid special-10 train, later died on Tueday while receiving treatment at the Dulahazara Bangabandhu Safari Park Veterinary Hospital.
The Chittagong-Cox's Bazar 128-kilometer railway line passes through 27 kilometers of protected areas, including the Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary, Fasiakhali Wildlife Sanctuary, and Medhakachapia National Park.
According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), this section of the railway intersects 11 critical elephant corridors.
The railway project had initially proposed three overpasses and additional safety measures such as elephant barriers, sound barriers, and warning systems, but only one overpass has been built, and other measures remain unimplemented.
Eleven months into the project, these unfulfilled promises have already led to fatal consequences for the local wildlife.
The PAW Foundation reiterated their commitment to advocating for wildlife safety, saying: "We remain hopeful that urgent actions will be taken in this regard."
