A Tragic Incident in Assam: Seven Elephants Killed by Train
In a heartbreaking event, seven elephants were tragically killed in Assam when a Rajdhani Express train hit a herd near Guwahati on December 20, 2025. This incident, which drew widespread criticism, has now caught the attention of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The NGT's Intervention
The NGT, concerned about the environmental implications of the incident, has sought responses from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and other authorities. The tribunal has impleaded the CPCB, the Assam government, the State's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and the Assam State Pollution Control Board as respondents in the case. The NGT has directed that the matter be listed before its Eastern Zonal Bench in Kolkata on January 28.
The Aftermath and Investigations
The collision caused the engine and five coaches of the Rajdhani Express to derail on the Jamunamukh Kampur section under the Lumding division of the Northeast Frontier Railway. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident, with the Forest Department examining the circumstances leading to the collision. Preliminary investigations suggest that heavy fog may have been a contributing factor.
Criticism and Demands for Accountability
The incident had also drawn sharp criticism from the Kaziranga Wildlife Society (KWS), the State's oldest wildlife NGO. The KWS demanded a judicial inquiry, alleging that the train had apparently violated a 2014 Supreme Court order mandating speed limits of 30-40 kmph, depending on the vulnerability of the railway stretch.
Implications for the North East and India
This tragic incident underscores the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect India's wildlife, particularly in sensitive areas like the North East. The North East is home to a rich and diverse wildlife population, including the one-horned rhinoceros and the Asian elephant. Such incidents not only result in the loss of precious wildlife but also pose a threat to human safety and the region's ecological balance.
Looking Forward
As the NGT investigates this incident, it is crucial that the findings lead to meaningful changes in railway safety protocols and wildlife protection measures. The North East region, with its unique and fragile ecosystems, stands to gain significantly from such measures. The loss of these seven elephants serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect our wildlife and preserve our environment.