Daltonganj: Protests have begun against the relocation of the two railway stations—Chhipadohar and Hehegara—from within the area of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR).Locals, under the banner of newly formed outfit Sarvdalya Chhipadohar Hehegara Railway Station Visthapan Sangharsh Samiti, On Sunday submitted a memorandum in this regard to the PTR field director. The outfit also threatened to stage a sit-in at the Chhipadohar railway station on May 13 if their demands are not fulfilled.Those protesting have claimed that many who are dependent on trains for daily travel here will find it hard to reach the relocated railway stations. The protesters added that if their demands are not met, then they will consider rail chakka jam and squatting at the Chhipadohar range office. Chhipadohar forest range officer Ajay Toppo confirmed receiving the memorandum.Notably, these stations are under the East Central Railway of Dhanbad division in Latehar district. As per the plan, Chhipadohar railway station will be relocated 1.75 km away from its present location while Hehegara will be 5 km from its present location.The relocation of these two railway stations is to clear over 11 kms of tracks which passing through the PTR. The relocation will also facilitate the laying of the third railway line beside the oldest Up and Down railway lines, a railway official said on anonymity. “Once these two stations are relocated, the PTR will be free of railway lines making it safer for wildlife,” he further said.Currently, the railways are bound to impose speed restrictions for 25 km per hour for all kinds of trains plying between Chhipadohar and Hehegara railway stations for safety of the animals.
