Rising Elephant Deaths in Jharkhand Raise Concerns
Increasing Incidents of Elephant Deaths
Representational Image
Ranchi, Nov 4: Jharkhand is facing a troubling surge in elephant fatalities, with the latest carcass discovered in the West Singhbhum district on Wednesday.
The deceased elephant was located in a field close to Tankura village, marking the fourth such incident in the state's forested areas within the last two months.
Local villagers found the carcass near Burma Toli in the Tankura settlement, situated under the Barajamda OP area of West Singhbhum. According to the community, a herd of approximately 20 elephants had entered the village on Tuesday evening. Despite notifying the Forest Department for assistance, no team arrived, prompting villagers to spend the night attempting to guide the elephants away.
The following morning, they discovered one elephant dead in the field. The precise cause of death remains unknown, although villagers suspect electrocution; the true reason will be confirmed after a post-mortem examination.
Residents have raised concerns regarding the Forest Department's response and are calling for a thorough investigation.
Previously, on October 28, another dead elephant was found in the Bishunpur forest within the Balumath police station area of Latehar district. Forest officials conducted an inquiry the next day, led by Ranger Nand Kumar Mahato, who speculated that the elephant may have perished in a confrontation with another elephant.
Earlier in October, a female elephant was discovered dead in Bhangaon village, located in the Jagannathpur area of West Singhbhum. Villagers noted that both tusks were missing, raising suspicions of poaching for ivory.
Forest officials have since initiated an investigation, with reports indicating that seven elephant deaths have occurred in this region over the past year.
On September 7, an elephant died after coming into contact with a live electric wire in Komar village, also under Balumath police jurisdiction. A herd of around 15 elephants had approached agricultural fields when one animal touched electrified fencing meant to protect crops, resulting in its immediate death.
As elephant movements through villages adjacent to forests increase, residents are resorting to hazardous methods to safeguard their crops and properties, including installing electric fencing that exceeds recommended wattage limits or connecting it directly to the AC mains.