Concerns Rise Over Neglected Elephant Durga's Health in Assam

The situation surrounding Durga, a wild elephant in Assam, highlights serious concerns regarding wildlife negligence. Found with a heavy, non-functional radio collar, Durga's health is deteriorating, as she limps and struggles to move. Despite calls for intervention from wildlife advocates and veterinary professionals, no action has been taken to assist her. This case underscores the urgent need for wildlife protection and the responsibilities of authorities in ensuring the well-being of animals in their care. As Durga continues to roam with her collar, the community and wildlife organizations are rallying for her rescue and treatment. The story of Durga serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 21, 2026, 10:50 IST

Elephant Durga's Distressing Condition

A wild female adult elephant – Durga – found roaming with a heavy, non-functional radio collar (Photo: AT)

Guwahati, April 21: A troubling case has emerged highlighting human negligence towards wildlife, as a wild female elephant, affectionately named Durga by locals, has been spotted wandering with a cumbersome, non-functional radio collar still attached to her neck.

Durga typically roams around the Bokial Forest Beat Office and Morphulani Beat Office, located within the Golaghat Range and Deothar Sub Beat in Karbi Anglong.

It appears that neither the forest authorities nor the NGO responsible for fitting the collar in 2023 have made any efforts to rescue her.

This collar installation was a joint initiative between the forest department and the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation based in Bengaluru.

Currently, Durga is seen limping on her left front leg, accompanied by two other elephants.

Observers have noted that she is experiencing severe health problems, exacerbated by the collar. Veterinary assessments support these claims.

“The collar, weighing approximately 19-20 kg, is still affixed to her neck, hindering her movement. Communication with Aditya Amlan Goswami from the Asian Nature Conservation Foundation revealed that the collar's battery has died, and they have already gathered their necessary data. It was expected to fall off naturally, yet it has remained on her neck for nearly three years,” stated Shyamanta Ram Phookun, managing trustee of Elephant Monitors Assam.

Dr. Joygeswar Bori, a veterinary officer from the State Veterinary Dispensary in Ponka (Golaghat), noted during an examination on January 6, 2026, that “Durga has lost the vitreous humor in both eyes and is limping on her left front leg.”

Phookun mentioned that Elephant Monitors had reached out to Dr. Vinay Gupta, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam, on April 5, 2026, requesting assistance for her treatment and the removal of the collar via the Elephant Ambulance from Wildlife SOS, which is currently stationed in Doomdooma, Tinsukia.

Despite these efforts, no action has been taken to treat the elephant or remove the collar. A letter from Mukutchandra Das, DFO of Golaghat Forest Division, dated March 20, 2026, referred to the elephant as ‘healthy’.

“The wild elephant is present in this division and the Karbi Anglong East Division, appearing healthy and normal, with the department continuously monitoring her. She was spotted recently at Thedong (Lat: 26.553476, Long: 93.729705) near Bijuli Reserve Forest,” the letter stated.

Countering the forest department's assertions, Phookun emphasized that their extensive tracking and documentation of Durga indicate a decline in her health. “We also contacted the Wildlife SOS team on March 20, 2026, and they are ready to provide their expertise for Durga's treatment,” he added.

Members of Elephant Monitors have reached out to Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia, who has promised necessary assistance in addressing this issue.

Durga was last seen on April 17, 2026, near the Numaligarh Beat Office, specifically in the Babathan area close to Nopathar, accompanied by a herd of around 12 elephants.