Adjutant stork conservation
A common sight in the summer paddy fields of the Darrang and Udalguri districts a few decades ago was the abundant presence of both the greater adjutant storks (Leptoptilos dubius) and the lesser adjutant storks (Leptoptilos javanicus) roaming majestically in search of food. They could be spotted easily from distant quarters also for their large bodies with long yellow beaks. We used to call them 'grandpa' or 'old man' in our school days, as they have bald heads. We were amazed to see the food bag of the greater adjutant storks hanging from their neck. These large birds in the fields made the watery fields of summer 'great' and the environment naturally attractive in those days. But unfortunately the population of both species of birds is declining rapidly due to various reasons. The awareness among the people for the conservation of the adjutants is definitely not adequate in our state. In Darrang and in the Udalguri district, conservation awareness of the species is too poor to tell. Despite that, very limited numbers of adjutant storks are still struggling to survive in our areas. But no active step towards saving the storks by any conservationist group has so far been witnessed, which is really a matter of great concern. But with a pleasant note, I would like to inform the bird-loving community that I have been noticing a lone lesser adjutant stork for a couple of months at about week intervals from my residence in the nearby paddy field. So, my personal observation is the proof of their presence in our areas. Other people also let me know their experience in this way. Through this column of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the conservation agencies, especially that of wildlife biologist Purnima Devi Barman, an internationally famed crusader of adjutant stork conservation in Assam, to cover more areas, including Darrang and Udalguri.
Kulendra Nath Deka
Dighirpar, Mangaldai
SPAD regulation
for loco pilots
Signal Passed at Danger or Speed Passed at Danger (SPAD) is a serious issue. Loco pilots of trains are expected to stop at signals, and if they breach this cardinal principle, then it's a serious lapse because derailments and collisions may be dangerous consequences. Besides human mistakes like misjudgment and fatigue, medical conditions, and mechanical factors like signal malfunction, track defects, and, of course, inadequate training can lead to loco pilots overlooking signals. It is reported that there have been increasing incidences of SPAD across the railway network.
Indian Railways is said to be seized of the matter: a 15-day drive is being undertaken by all railway zones to identify and rectify the core reason for SPAD. Speed restrictions and braking techniques of loco pilots need to be assessed and improved upon. Competency of the drivers in driving a particular type of train is extremely crucial. Additionally, controlling the train speed on slopes and when the distance between two signals is less than one and a half km (automatic block system) is critical for safety. Furthermore, use of mobile phones by loco pilots while on duty can be a source of distraction and confusion. All this needs to be borne in mind by the Indian Railways while reorienting the loco pilots and other allied staff.
Dr. Ganapathi Bhat
(gbhat13@gmail.com)