Tripura Government to Build Elephant Passes for Wildlife Safety

New Initiative for Elephant Protection in Tripura

Agartala, March 5: The government of Tripura has announced plans to construct four specialized elephant passes in the Khowai district's Mungiakami area. This initiative aims to ensure the safe passage of wild elephant herds and to mitigate the risk of accidents involving trains.

Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma revealed that this project is a response to the tragic incidents last year, where two elephants lost their lives due to speeding trains. The new passes will be situated in the Mungiakami region, which lies within the Atharamura Hill range, recognized as an elephant corridor.

Debbarma emphasized that the Atharamura Hill range serves as a vital habitat for wild elephants, with Mungiakami identified as a key corridor for their movement. He informed the media that a detailed project report (DPR) is currently being prepared for this initiative, and additional infrastructure may be developed as needed to enhance wildlife protection.

The minister highlighted the importance of adopting a scientific and sustainable approach to manage the increasing human-animal conflicts. He mentioned that the Forest Department will push for dedicated wildlife protection measures when approving significant infrastructure projects in the future. Discussions have already commenced with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change regarding this matter.

“It is essential to engage with agencies involved in large rail or road projects to ensure the proper rehabilitation of affected communities and the safeguarding of wildlife, thereby minimizing conflicts,” he stated.