PETA writes to Mamata on elephants’ death

Referring to the death of four elephants, including two calves, in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district, the PETA in its letter said that the recent incident was the latest in a long line of railway accidents

The body of an elephant lies near a railway track in Karbi Anglong district of Assam near a railway track. The PETA, on Wednesday, had written to Railway Minister on the death of elephants. Photo: PTI

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) on Wednesday wrote to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee urging her to take immediate steps to stop accidental killing of elephants by trains.

Referring to the death of four elephants, including two calves, in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district on January 2, the animal rights organisation in its letter said that the recent incident was the latest in a long line of railway accidents that have killed and injured many elephants.

PETA’s representative Ashish Verma pointed out that elephant herds travel long distances in search of food along traditional migration routes, which possibly have been in use for centuries.

“The presence of railways in protected areas around the country has caused the accidental deaths of wild elephants and no suitable steps have been taken to protect them from harm,” he said.

PETA also recommended various measures which include reducing train speeds in forest areas, improving visibility, regulating garbage disposals and restoring migration corridors without railway tracks among others.