Female sloth bear killed by train on Gondia-Ballarshah rail line in Talodhi
A fully grown female sloth bear died after being hit by a train near Alewahi beat in Talodhi forest range under Brahmapuri forest division.
Another wild animal has died on the Gondia-Ballarshah railway route. A fully grown female sloth bear was killed in a train collision in Alewahi beat of Talodhi forest range, which falls under Brahmapuri forest division. Labourers working near the tracks spotted the bear lying dead and immediately informed the Talodhi forest department.
On receiving the information, under the guidance of Brahmapuri Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr Kumaraswamy, Assistant Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr Mahesh Gaikwad, Talodhi Forest Range Officer Tejas Suryavanshi and biologist Rakesh Ahuja issued the necessary instructions. Following this, area assistant Arvind Mane and forest guard Bangar reached the spot. Wildlife researcher and SWAB (Wildlife Protection Association) president Yash Kayarkar and rescue team head Jeevesh Sayam were also present at the site. A panchnama was jointly prepared, after which the bear's carcass was taken to the forest depot at Savargaon for postmortem.
The postmortem was carried out jointly by Nagbhid Animal Husbandry Assistant Commissioner Dr Satish Tambe, Talodhi veterinary officer Dr Isha Aakre and Chandrapur TTC veterinary officer Dr Kundan Pochalwar. The report confirmed that the forceful impact of the train had broken the bear's ribs and caused such severe internal injuries that it died on the spot. Following this, in the presence of forest officials, SWAB members and staff at the Savargaon forest depot, the bear's last rites were performed as per procedure.
The Gondia-Ballarshah railway route passes through the continuous forest stretch of Navegaon-Nagzira, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and Brahmapuri forest division. This is why every year several wild animals, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, nilgai, sambar and chital, lose their lives in collisions with fast-moving trains on this track.
Following this incident, allegations were raised once again that the railway department is repeatedly negligent in taking necessary measures. SWAB has demanded that strong wire fencing be installed on both sides of the railway track passing through the forest to prevent such accidents. SWAB president Yash Kayarkar has warned clearly that if the administration does not take proper steps soon, an agitation will be launched on the streets for the protection of wildlife.
