In a tragic incident recently, three elephants, including two pregnant females had been killed after collision with a speeding train in Hojai. Within twenty four hours of that incident, another elephant died in a similar accident at Rangjuli in Goalpara district. In the ongoing year, altogether 43 elephants have died from collision with train, electrocution, falling in pits and from poaching. Even though there is no doubt about the earnestness of Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, who hardly wastes time to reach the site whenever such incident happens, somehow it is becoming difficult to check the unabated death of wild animals.
Man-animal conflict
In the last ten months, the brunt of man-animal conflict has not been on elephants alone. During this period, apart from 43 elephants, 23 rhinos, 22 leopards and 4 tigers have also lost their lives. However, forest department is also carrying out every effort to curb these incidents. This is evident from the fact that in the last six months, 150 rhino poachers have been arrested.
Meanwhile, leopards and tigers are facing huge threat from angry villagers who are ready to lynch these animals every time they penetrate in their village. Similarly, even villagers have been killed by these felines, further worsening the situation.
Human beings however have been worst hit because of their conflict with elephants. 45 people across the State have been killed by elephants, not to mention the crops damaged by these jumbos.
If the forest department doesn’t come up with a proper policy, the situation will worsen and we will lose more of our amazing biodiversity.
