Protests Against Double Railway Tracks At Deepor Beel

GUWAHATI: The preservation of wildlife sanctuaries is of crucial importance and Deepor Beel has been making headlines with the tamper in its ecological balance. The double track railway construction in the area has raised an uproar among the locals of the area. As the construction works did not cease, the Mikirpara Chakrdo Development Society staged a protest rally on Tuesday.

General Secretary of the Society Promod Kalita said, “Implementation of double railway line would pose a serious threat to the biodiversity of Deepor Beel. Till date, 14 elephants have died on the previously set railway track already. After the double railway tracks are completed and more trains start running, the mortality rate of many animals others than just elephants will increase manifold. Moreover, the elephants that will be forced to come out in search of food will harass the villagers from nearby villages. This will ultimately worsen the man-elephant conflict and the people residing in areas nearby will suffer huge losses.”

It is to be noted that construction of railway line along the southern boundary of Deepor Beel was objected on the ground that it would disturb the ecology of Rani Reserve forest. This alternative was abandoned by the Railway and they started construction on the northern alternative. A press meet was also recently organized protesting the double tracks.

Kalita further informed that until the construction works on the twin tracks are shut down, the protests will persist. On the call of the Society, the locals of the area came out and protested in front of passing trains through the area.

Also Read: Move For Double Railway Tracks At Deepor Beel Protested