TV
A female elephant died after reportedly coming in contact with a live electric wire inside the Tikilipadar forest of Nakatideula range under the Rairakhol forest division in Odisha, triggering concerns over recurring wildlife deaths caused by unsafe power lines.
The carcass was recovered on Saturday morning after forest department officials received information about the dead elephant lying deep inside the jungle. On reaching the spot, the team found a solar electric wire running close to the site, raising suspicion that the elephant had died due to electrocution. The department has launched an investigation into the cause of death.
CM Mohan Majhi Orders Probe, Team Rushed From Bhubaneswar
Taking serious note of the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi ordered a high-level inquiry into the elephant's death and stated that no person involved in the incident would be spared. “Strict action will be taken against those responsible,” he said.
An independent investigation team has been dispatched from Bhubaneswar to Nakatideula to examine the site and determine whether the electric line was illegally installed or poorly managed.
Recurring Elephant Deaths In Same Region
This is not the first case of elephant electrocution in the Nakatideula range. Eight months ago, three elephants died due to an electric shock in the Burumala forest. Before that, another female elephant had similarly lost its life in Chahadapashi forest, which falls under the same division.
The repeated incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of jumbos in the region and the lack of stringent enforcement against illegal or unsafe electrification in forest areas.
