Jalpaiguri: A railway line proposed through the Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) has led to concerns among wildlife conservationists over the fate of the tiger relocation programme at Buxa.The 15.3-km Rajabhatkhawa-Jainti line, estimated to cost Rs 180.2 crore, is part of six new projects under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) as part of the initiative to strengthen railway infrastructure and improve connectivity in north Bengal and the Northeast. The other approved projects are Raiganj-Itahar (22.2 km), Gazole-Itahar (27.2 km), Itahar-Buniadpur (27.1 km), Chalsa-Naxal (19.9 km), and Raiganj-Dalkhola (43.43 km).While the Railways claimed the Rajabhatkhawa-Jainti new line will be built in accordance with sustainable and environmentally responsible construction — enhancing local mobility and supporting regional economic activity — foresters and wildlife conservationists believe it would stop the relocation of tigers to the Buxa reserve. Already, the 161-km Siliguri-Alipurduar rail line that cuts through the Dooars has led to many elephant deaths.Harikrishnan, deputy field director, Buxa Tiger Reserve, said that they haven’t yet received any communication from NFR on this. “A feasibility study is a must. Besides, the proposal will have to get clearance from both the state and national boards for wildlife,” he added.
