Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR)’s strategic approach called Plan Bee that aims to deter wild elephants from railway tracks has bagged the best innovation award by Indian Railways. This initiative features a system that mimics the buzz of a hive of honey bees, a sound that naturally drives elephants away (owing to their inherent fear of the insects’ dangerous stings). The first device within this strategy was set up near Guwahati railway station, and its audible range for elephants spans between 600-700 meters, which effectively helps in preventing them from encountering the tracks. Given that India currently holds the record for the highest number of train accidents involving elephants globally, wildlife experts praise this initiative for its innovative solution to this pressing issue.
Understanding Plan Bee
Plan Bee is an award-winning initiative by NFR aimed at safeguarding both wild elephants and trains against conflicting encounters on the railway tracks. This unique plan involves the use of specially designed devices that emit sounds imitating buzzing bees. Bees are naturally feared by elephants due to the threat their perilous stings pose, and this reaction forms the crux of Plan Bee.
The initial installation of these devices was near Guwahati railway station. The amplitude of the bees’ buzzing noise produced by these devices can be picked up by elephants from a distance of 600-700 meters. This wide-ranging sound coverage serves as an effective deterrent, keeping elephants away from the train tracks.
Significance of The Project
This ingenious invention plays an essential role in mitigating elephant-train accidents, a serious problem confronting India’s railway system. India stands out as the country with the highest number of such incidents globally, making the success of Plan Bee mission-critical in protecting wildlife and ensuring safe train operations.
The best innovation award conferred by the Indian Railways manifests the effectiveness and significance of Plan Bee. The innovative and natural approach not only protects the elephants but also avoids potential train derailment situations, making it a win-win strategy for both wildlife conservation and railway safety.
Plan Bee: A Quick Glance at The Facts
| Name | Organisation | Purpose | First Installation | Range | Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Bee | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) | To deter wild elephants from railway tracks | Guwahati railway station | 600-700 meters | Best innovation award by Indian Railways |
The Road Ahead
Given the impact and success of Plan Bee, its implementation could potentially expand across other railway zones facing similar issues, thereby contributing fundamentally towards India’s overall wildlife protection efforts. This laudable initiative stands as evidence of the power of innovative ideas in solving real-world problems by creating a harmonious balance between human infrastructure and wildlife preservation.