Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav. (file photo)
State Bureau, Kolkata. Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav said on Sunday that the Center has sought a report into the death of seven elephants after they were hit by a train in Assam's Hojai district a day earlier.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra also said that all states have been asked to keep an eye on the movement of elephants along the railway tracks.
This instruction was given
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of 'Project Elephant' and the National Tiger Conservation Authority in Bengal's Sundarbans, he said railway officials have been directed to coordinate with state forest departments regarding the movement of elephants along the tracks. Coordination between loco pilots (train drivers) and forest officials is necessary.
Seven elephants had died
It is known that seven elephants were killed and one was injured when a herd of elephants was hit by the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express train in Hojai district in the early hours of Saturday. During this time, five coaches and engine of the train also derailed. The minister said that the district magistrates have also been asked to keep the forest department informed about the movement of elephants on the highways.
Also read: Major train accident in Assam, many elephants died in collision with Rajdhani Express; 5 coaches derailed