Tripura government plans to build four elephant passes as part of rail safety improvements

Agartala: The Tripura government will construct four dedicated elephant passes at Mungiakami in Khowai district to ensure the safe movement of elephant herds and reduce human-animal conflict, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma said on Tuesday.

Mungiakami, located along the foothills of the Atharamura range, has been officially identified as an elephant corridor. The initiative follows growing concerns over wildlife safety after two elephants were killed by speeding trains in the area in 2024.

Debbarma said the government is working on building at least four elephant passes in the corridor to allow herds to move freely and safely through the region. Preparations are currently underway to develop a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project, he said, adding that more such structures could be considered in the future if required.

Highlighting the need for long-term and scientifically informed solutions to rising human-wildlife conflicts, the minister said the Forest Department would advocate for dedicated provisions to safeguard wildlife while approving major infrastructure projects.

He noted that discussions were needed with agencies executing large projects such as railways and highways to incorporate measures that minimise conflict, including relocation of settlements or protection of wildlife habitats where necessary. The matter has already been raised with the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, he added.

Earlier in the day, Debbarma inaugurated a workshop on “Human-Animal Interaction” where he stressed the importance of preserving wildlife habitats to maintain ecological balance.

He warned that continued disturbance to natural habitats could have serious consequences for ecosystems, emphasising that protecting wildlife was essential for sustaining environmental stability.