The Union Ministry of Environment has received 201 proposals between 2023 and 2025 seeking approvals for highways, railways and other infrastructure projects passing through eco-sensitive zones, wildlife corridors, national parks and tiger reserves, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

In a written reply to a question from Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the ministry closely examines such proposals by assessing mitigation measures and wildlife management plans. He also informed the House that 44 elephants died due to train collisions during the same period.

According to official data, 83 proposals were received in 2023, followed by 61 in 2024 and 57 in 2025. Yadav said that whenever approvals are granted, the National Board for Wildlife monitors the implementation of wildlife management and mitigation plans to minimise ecological impact.

The minister highlighted a recent initiative to identify 110 sensitive railway stretches within elephant habitats, where mitigation measures such as overpasses, underpasses and modifications to existing infrastructure have been recommended. He emphasised that project clearances are issued with a focus on balancing economic development with environmental protection.