Proposed Railway Line Through Buxa Tiger Reserve Stirs Conservation Debate in Jalpaiguri
A contentious railway line proposal cutting through the ecologically sensitive Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) in Jalpaiguri has ignited significant concerns among wildlife conservationists and forest officials. The project, part of a broader initiative to enhance connectivity in north Bengal and the Northeast, is now at the center of a heated debate over its potential impact on tiger relocation efforts and local biodiversity.
Details of the Railway Project and Its Environmental Implications
The Rajabhatkhawa-Jainti line, spanning 15.3 kilometers and estimated to cost approximately Rs 180.2 crore, is one of six new projects sanctioned under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). These initiatives aim to strengthen railway infrastructure and improve regional mobility. The other approved projects include Raiganj-Itahar (22.2 km), Gazole-Itahar (27.2 km), Itahar-Buniadpur (27.1 km), Chalsa-Naxal (19.9 km), and Raiganj-Dalkhola (43.43 km).
While the Railways asserts that the Rajabhatkhawa-Jainti line will be constructed with sustainable and environmentally responsible practices to boost local economic activity, wildlife experts fear it could derail the ongoing tiger relocation programme at Buxa. This concern is amplified by the precedent set by the 161-km Siliguri-Alipurduar rail line in the Dooars region, which has been linked to numerous elephant fatalities, highlighting the risks of railway infrastructure in wildlife habitats.
Conservationists Voice Apprehensions Over Tiger Relocation
Foresters and conservationists argue that the proposed railway line through Buxa Tiger Reserve poses a direct threat to the reserve's tiger population and relocation efforts. They emphasize that such infrastructure could fragment habitats, increase human-wildlife conflicts, and hinder conservation goals. Harikrishnan, deputy field director of Buxa Tiger Reserve, noted that no formal communication has been received from the NFR regarding the project. He stressed the necessity of a comprehensive feasibility study and mandatory clearances from both state and national wildlife boards before any construction proceeds.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between development and environmental preservation in India's northeastern regions. As discussions continue, stakeholders are calling for thorough assessments to ensure that infrastructure projects do not compromise the fragile ecosystems of protected areas like Buxa Tiger Reserve.
