Every year on August 12, we celebrate 'World Elephant Day' to acknowledge the majesty of the largest land animals on Earth. India is home to more than half of the world's Asian elephant population. However, elephants face a significant threat - train accidents and fatalities. According to official records, around 200 elephants were killed in train collisions between 2010 and 2020, which means approximately 20 elephants die every year due to such accidents.
Wildlife SOS has initiated conservation projects to protect elephants from train accidents. The organization aims to reduce elephant mortality by working with Indian Railways to implement measures such as reducing train speeds and adopting modern technology to prevent collisions in sensitive areas.
Last December, a female elephant and her calf were hit by a speeding train while crossing the tracks in Haldwani, Uttarakhand. The adult elephant died, and the calf was paralyzed in its hind legs. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Uttarakhand Forest Department, the calf was rescued and is currently undergoing treatment at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital in Mathura. The calf, named 'Bani,' is a reminder of the ongoing issue of railway lines and train accidents.
This incident prompted Wildlife SOS to start a petition and appeal to Indian Railways to reduce train speeds and adopt modern technology to prevent collisions in sensitive areas. Wildlife SOS aims to collect 30,000 signatures and submit the petition to Indian Railways.
On this World Elephant Day, Wildlife SOS highlights the need for urgent action to safeguard the lives of these majestic creatures and prevent further habitat fragmentation."