Activists demand fencing around Barkheda-Budhni rail track
| Date :10-Sep-2020 |
By Ankita Garg :
With the recent death of leopard on railway track in Midghat section of Budhni forest range, wildlife activists have started raising concern over safety of wild animals. Railway is developing Barkheda-Budhni third line passing through core area of Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary on Habibganj-Itarsi route. The route has remained in controversy for years regarding safety of wildlife as various incidents have been reported from this range where speedy train runs over big cat.
About three days back, a young male leopard died on the spot after train runs over him. Ajay Dubey, Secretary of Prayatna, said, “Construction work for Barkheda-Budhni third line is continuing on certain terms and condition. Forest Department has given its final nod to the railway project on condition of making under passes, over passes and other safety provisions for wildlife. But temporarily there is need to do fencing of tracks as construction work will be continuing there for more than two years.” He further said that after completing the project there will be various safety measures for wildlife but temporarily wildlife habitat is getting affected due to the loud voice machinery, human interference, etc.
He said third line is being laid after cutting mountains and this process require heavy machinery. For safety of wildlife during construction work, there should be temporary fencing around the tracks. The area comes under core range of Ratapani and soon it will be notified as tiger reserve.