Agartala: The Tripura government has initiated plans to build four dedicated “elephant passes” at Mungiakami in Khowai district to facilitate the safe movement of elephant herds, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma said on Tuesday.
Mungiakami, situated at the foothills of the Atharamura range, has been identified as a key elephant corridor in the State.
The move comes in the backdrop of two elephants being killed in 2024 after being struck by speeding trains in the area.
Addressing reporters, Debbarma said the Forest Department is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of at least four elephant passes to reduce risks and ensure unhindered movement of the animals.
He added that additional passes could be considered in the future, depending on requirements.
The minister stressed the importance of adopting scientific measures to mitigate human-animal conflict, particularly in regions witnessing rapid infrastructure expansion.
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He said the department would push for dedicated provisions to safeguard wildlife in large-scale development projects.
“We need to engage with agencies undertaking major railway and road projects to ensure adequate measures for the protection and rehabilitation of both villagers and wildlife,” Debbarma said, adding that the matter has already been taken up with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Earlier in the day, the minister inaugurated a workshop on “Human-Animal Interaction,” where he underscored the need to maintain ecological balance.
“If the wild is disturbed, the entire ecological system suffers,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to sustainable development while protecting biodiversity.
