Elephant deaths in Sambalpur: Orissa HC seeks response from state government

Orissa High Court on Tuesday expressed concern over the tragic death of three elephants due to electrocution in the forest near Buramal in Sambalpur’s Naktideul forest range on Sunday and sought a response from the Odisha government after registering a PIL.

It is pertinent to mention here that Orissa High Court had earlier expressed anguish over the poaching of wildlife animals, accidental deaths and man-animal conflicts. One  Gita Das had earlier filed a PIL on elephant deaths and the matter is sub judice. A task force was also set up in this regard.

The High Court has now sought a response from the Odisha government on the recent elephant deaths and wants to know how the deaths can be prevented and what has been the role of the task force comprising experts.

On Monday, three elephants, including a calf, were found dead due to suspected electrocution in the Burmal forest under the Naktideul range in Odisha’s Sambalpur district.

An official report indicates that a herd of 11 elephants were moving from the Redhakhol Range to the Naktideoul Range on November 17 and its movement was under tracking by the team. 

Following spot verification of the crime scene, it is ascertained that the cause of death may be due to electrocution by illegal hooking using GI wire from an 11kv line passing to the village Buramal.