Orissa HC summons PCCF Susanta Nanda on Sambalpur elephant deaths

Expressing deep concern over the tragic death of three elephants due to electrocution in the forest near Buramal in Sambalpur’s Naktideul forest range on Sunday, the Orissa High Court directed the Principal Chief Conservation of Forest (PCCF) (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda to appear before it on November 26.

Registering a suo moto PIL into the matter, the High Court sought a response from the Odisha government on the recent elephant deaths and wanted to know how the deaths could be prevented. The court also questioned the role of the task force comprising experts.

Notably, two full-grown female elephants and a calf died after coming in contact with live wires laid by poachers in the Naktideul range of the Rairakhol forest division in the early hours of Monday.

Also Read: Death of 3 elephants due to electrocution in Odisha: 3 Forest dept officials suspended, 3 held

While three forest personnel were suspended following the electrocution of three elephants, the Forest Department also recommended action against two senior officers, and one of them was asked to explain why the government would not act against him.

Two suspected poachers have been detained, while a search is underway for two other accused.

Read More: Three elephants killed after falling in electric trap laid for boars in Odisha

PCCF (Wildlife) Susanta Nanda attributed the deaths to negligence and lack of vigilance by forest personnel, warning of strict actions against those responsible.

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 in Odisha. 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.