CONCERN OVER JUMBO DEATHS, FARMERS’ LOSS
Monday, 21 October 2013 |
PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar
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The recent
death of a five-year-old female elephant near Khalipali in Agalpur block has
once again raised the man-animal conflict in this otherwise peaceful area and
the damagesto the paddy crop by the elephants come at a time when it was
getting ready for harvest.
The death of
the elephant has raised question mark on the functioning of the elephant squads in Balangir
district, said former MP Balgopal Mishra.
Although as per the
official record the elephant died due to “heart attack”, people wonder what
happened which led to heart attack for an animal like elephant, said Mishra.
In April this
year, the decomposed body of an elephant was found at a village, raising
question on the role of the Forest Department personnel.
“I had
apprised the district Collector and Divisional Forest Officer 15 days ago about
the situation, but their response was not satisfactory as far as the protection
of elephants and interests of crop-losingfarmers is considered,” said Mishra, adding that, the compensation
amount given by the Government for crop damage by elephants is
inadequate.
He demanded
that the Government hike the compensation and pay it within 15days of crop
damage. Elephants are staying in the region since last few years and for the
protection of elephants and forests, the entire 120-sqkm forest area should be
declared as an elephant sanctuary, added Mishra, besides demanding solar
fencing wall around the forest so that the elephants cannot come out from the
forest.
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