RTI activist Rohit Choudhury is compromising the effectiveness of animal detection systems on National Highway 37 due to various challenges. Animal-vehicle collision mitigation systems face obstacles from environmental conditions and technological limitations.
In a communication addressed to the Union Minister of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, RTI, and Environment activist Rohit Choudhury stated, “The functionality of animal sensors is sporadic and primarily observed during the VVIP visits to the Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve. The sensor cameras situated at the Kanchanjuri corridor (Maloni) were dismantled long ago, and the reasons behind this decision remain known only to the park authorities.”
Additionally, the RTI activist reiterated the appeal to the Union Minister to encourage the Government of Assam to reactivate the sensor cameras on the Kanchanjuri animal corridor and ensure the operational status of all other sensor cameras, aiming to enhance the safety of the wildlife residing in Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve.
The reported malfunctioning of these cameras has sparked considerable apprehension among conservationists and activists.
The lack of functioning speed checks heightens the likelihood of road accidents involving animals, posing a potential threat to species such as the Indian rhinoceros, tigers, Asian elephants, wild water buffaloes, and various deer species inhabiting the park. This park harbors the largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses globally and serves as a refuge for several other species facing global endangerment.
Environmental activists, including Rohit Choudhury, are expressing their discontent over this situation, criticizing the forest department for the delayed repairs and urging accountability for potential wildlife losses resulting from speeding vehicles.
The National Green Tribunal had previously mandated the installation of these cameras, emphasizing the legal and environmental necessity to safeguard the fauna of Kaziranga.
With the park currently amid the tourist season, spanning from November to April, it is imperative to promptly address the repair of speed-check cameras. This urgency is crucial to guarantee the safety of the animals and preserve the integrity of this essential ecosystem.
