13 July 2024,
The new railway line project from Saharanpur to Dehradun has once again brought wildlife and environmental conservation issues into the spotlight. This project will involve the construction of a total of 106 bridges and an 11-kilometer-long tunnel, including eight new stations.
This new rail route will pass through the Shivalik Hills and several dense forests. This area is known as a crucial corridor for tigers and elephants. Wildlife conservationists have expressed concerns over this project, as it could negatively impact these important corridors.
Under the project, railway officials have promised to include Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and wildlife management plans. They claim that modern technology and structural measures will be utilized to ensure minimal impact on wildlife. This includes structural measures like elephant corridors and bioducts, which will provide safe passage for elephants and other wildlife.
The construction of this railway line will reduce travel time between Saharanpur and Dehradun and ease traffic, thereby promoting economic development in the region. However, environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts have advised caution regarding the long-term impacts of the project.
A senior official from the Forest Department stated, “We will closely monitor the progress of this project and ensure that the habitat and safety of wildlife are given priority.”
There is a mix of curiosity and concern among the public regarding this new rail project. Local communities and environmental organizations have called for public dialogue on this issue to consider the opinions and concerns of all stakeholders.
It will be important to observe how this project impacts wildlife and the environment and how railway officials address these challenges.
