Railway Infrastructure Relocation Planned for Palamu Tiger Reserve Core Area
In a significant move for wildlife conservation and railway operations, two railway stations and three railway lines situated within the core area of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand are slated for relocation. Officials have confirmed that this long-pending initiative aims to mitigate risks to the reserve's wildlife and streamline rail services.
Inter-Ministerial Talks Underway for Strategic Shift
PTR authorities have disclosed that the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change is actively engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Railways to facilitate the relocation of Hehegara and Chhipadohar railway stations, along with three adjacent railway tracks. This collaborative effort seeks to address the fragmentation of the tiger reserve caused by existing infrastructure.
Regional chief conservator of forest and PTR field director, S R Natesha, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, "The relocation is a long-pending issue as the PTR stands fragmented because of this. Not just the railway lines, but a state highway also passes through the PTR. However, relocation of railway property is currently on the anvil. After that, we will press for shifting of the state highway too."
Current Operations and Proposed Changes
Under the Dhanbad division of East Central Railways, these stations serve as a crucial rail link, with up to 125 trains traversing the tracks daily. The relocation is expected to bring mutual benefits: railways can eliminate current safety restrictions, while PTR gains reduced human-wildlife conflict.
Natesha highlighted the operational constraints, noting, "Currently, the railways are mandated to limit the speed of the trains to 25 kmph for the safety of wildlife and ensure continuous whistling to prevent any hurt to wildlife. Relocation will help railways get rid of all those safety cautions."
Specific Relocation Details and Land Acquisition
Railway sources have outlined the planned shifts:
- Hehegara station will be moved to a site 5 km away from its current location.
- Chhipadohar station will be relocated to Kuchila, approximately 1.75 km away.
- The three railway lines, each measuring 11.5 km, will be extended to 18.5 km post-relocation, with the new route running from Gua to Kuchila.
However, the project hinges on land acquisition, with railway sources indicating a need for over 365 acres of land. "The land to be acquired is of three types: private, govt and forest," they noted, underscoring the complexity of the process.
Additional Conservation Measures in Pipeline
Beyond the railway relocation, deliberations are ongoing for constructing a tunnel or underpass near the 'chicken neck' area of the Betla National Park, part of PTR. This initiative aims to further enhance wildlife corridors and reduce habitat disruption, aligning with broader conservation goals.
The relocation project represents a critical step in balancing infrastructure development with environmental stewardship, potentially setting a precedent for similar reserves nationwide.
