Death of elephants in Bandhavgarh: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that a state-level elephant task force will be constituted in the state to promote harmonious elephant-human coexistence. Special "Hathi Mitr" (elephant friends) will be appointed to support this initiative.
Solar fencing
In regions with significant elephant activity, solar fencing systems will be installed to protect farmers' crops. Additionally, efforts will be made to involve farmers in agro-forestry and other alternative livelihoods beyond traditional agriculture.
Dr. Yadav emphasized plans to develop forest areas in the state that foster coexistence between elephants and human settlements. He mentioned that discussions with the Union Forest Minister have taken place to ensure proper guidance and effective action by the Forest Department. In districts where elephants inhabit forest regions, "elephant friends" will also work to raise public awareness.
The incident is sad and painful, forest officials should be vigilant
CM Dr. Yadav expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of 10 elephants on separate occasions in the forest area of Umaria district. The preliminary report indicates no traces of pesticides, though the detailed post-mortem report is still awaited. Dr. Yadav noted that the arrival of a large group of elephants in recent years has been a new and significant occurrence, with a notable presence in Umaria and Sidhi districts. He stressed the importance of field directors and other officials remaining alert and vigilant under these circumstances.
Field Director, ACF suspended
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that during the critical incident involving the deaths of multiple elephants, the field director did not return from leave, and the necessary precautions regarding the arrival of the elephant herd were not taken. Due to this negligence, Field Director Gaurav Chaudhary has been suspended. Additionally, In-charge ACF Fateh Singh Ninama has also been suspended.
State officials will visit Karnataka, Kerala and Assam to conduct a study
CM said that the Bandhavgarh region and other forest areas offer favorable and appealing conditions for elephants. He explained that, due to the excellent management of these forest zones, elephant herds that once migrated from Chhattisgarh and other states are now staying instead of returning. This has led to a significant presence of elephants, making it a key focus for the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. To address this, the government is planning to establish an elephant task force for natural and sustainable management in response to the growing elephant population.
A strategic plan is being developed to ensure elephants can coexist safely with other wildlife. Best practices from Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam—states with significant elephant populations—will be adopted. Officials from Madhya Pradesh will visit these states to study their coexistence strategies and ensure that human life in buffer and core areas remains undisturbed while also safeguarding the elephants.
Compensation for Loss of Life Increased to 25 Lakh Rupees
CM said that the compensation for loss of life in the incident that occurred in Umaria district has been increased from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per person. This increase will also apply to the families of the two people who lost their lives in the incident. Additionally, farmers will be encouraged to engage in agro-forestry and other alternative activities beyond traditional farming by integrating the private sector into forest area initiatives. This approach will connect farmers with forest area resources, allowing them to benefit from these arrangements rather than relying solely on conventional crops.
Experts to Be Invited for Implementation of Key Measures
CM said that elephants that roam alone and separate from their groups in the forest areas will be radio-tracked to monitor their movements. This measure aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and represents a significant step forward. Additionally, experts will be brought in to implement further crucial measures.
Elephant Identified and Rescued
Additional Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), L. Krishnamurthy, reported that the elephant responsible for the deaths of two people on November 2 was identified and successfully rescued. The operation involved a team of 40 personnel, including wildlife veterinarians, the rescue team, the Field Director, and the Deputy Director of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, all under the leadership of PCCF Wildlife and APCCF Wildlife.
On November 2, two tragic deaths occurred due to elephant attacks in Umaria district. The first incident took place in the forest area of the Dhamokar Buffer Range within the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, near Banka village in Chandia tehsil. The second fatality happened in the forest of the Chandia Range, located in Deora village, also within Chandia tehsil in the Umaria Forest Division.
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