Bhubaneswar: Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, has called for a comprehensive probe and disciplinary action against officials found responsible for recent elephant fatalities on railway tracks.
The directive comes after two elephants were killed in train collisions on October 3 in Rourkela and October 15 in Meramundali, Dhenkanal, sparking widespread media coverage and public concern.
Expressing frustration, Minister Singhkhuntia pointed to a lack of coordination between the Railways and the Forest Department, which he believes led to the deaths despite the existence of standard operating procedures (SOPs) intended to protect wildlife.
These SOPs, aimed at controlling train speeds through dense forests and designated elephant corridors, were reportedly not effectively implemented, leading to frequent, tragic incidents.
The Minister has directed Satyabrat Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department, to conduct a detailed investigation into the incidents.
He has instructed Sahu to submit a report and recommend disciplinary action within 15 days against any officials deemed responsible for lapses.
