Insta
Indian Railways Installs Seismic Sensors, Thermal Cameras Near Rajaji Tiger Reserve To Avoid Wildlife Collision
An elephant crossing a railway track near Siliguri (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE) (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rikkis_refuge/5004641148">Rikki’s Refuge</a>/Flickr)
The Indian Railways will be installing seismic sensors and thermal cameras on railway tracks around the 18-km Kansro range in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR) in Uttarakhand to warn train drivers, reports the Financial Express. The advance detection system, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, will help avoid trains hitting animals in the region.
For the past three decades, over two dozen animals, mostly elephants have been hit by the trains. RTR Director PK Patra said that the system, which includes ten seismic sensors and three thermal cameras, will be installed along the railway lines at six points in the range within the next six months.
The points were identified based on the frequency of elephant crossings. Plus the 18-km line will also have elephant proof barricading. The system will detect the smallest movements from animals and inform the officials at the central server facility.
The data will be then reviewed and only after confirming the presence of an elephant in range, they will alert the patrolling staff, train’s loco pilot, RTR administration and the nearest station. Chandigarh-based Central Scientific Instrumentation Research Organisation developed the system.
The system is being launched on pilot-basis in collaboration with the Union Forest Ministry, the WWF and the Wildlife Institute of India. Officials believe the system is economical, will reduce the burden on patrolling staff and make monitoring wildlife conservation at the RTR reserve effective.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
