Assam Forest Department Files Case Against Numaligarh Refinery Over Elephant Electrocution
Published: 21st July, 2024 16:15 IST
Written By: Northeast Live Digital Desk
In a troubling development highlighting the escalating human-elephant conflict in Assam, the state’s Forest Department has filed a case against Numaligarh Refinery in Golaghat district. This action follows the discovery of an electrocuted wild elephant within the refinery’s township on July 19.
According to sources, the adult female elephant was found dead around 8 am in a park near the Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) township, though forest officials were only informed in the evening after refinery workers had already buried the carcass. The elephant reportedly died after stepping on an exposed armored cable, leading to electrocution.
Golaghat’s Divisional Forest Officer, Sushil K Thakuria, stated that failing to notify the Forest Department before burying the elephant’s remains constitutes a serious violation, as elephants are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Consequently, a case has been registered, and the elephant’s carcass was exhumed for a post-mortem examination.
Preliminary reports suggest the death was caused by electrocution, possibly due to cable leakage. The final autopsy report is expected by July 23. Reacting to the incident, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma vowed to pursue appropriate legal actions to enforce wildlife protection laws.
This incident adds to the rising tension between humans and elephants in Assam. A recent study by the Biodiversity and Conservation Journal noted that, on average, 80 elephants and 70 humans die annually in the state due to such conflicts. Elephants frequently invade croplands and residential areas, exacerbating the situation.
Also Read: Wild elephant relocated to Manas National Park in Assam after five-day rescue operation.
Original Story https://northeastlivetv.com/around-ne/assam/assam-case-registered-against-nrl-for-burying-wild-elephant/
Category : Assam,Top News,Assam news,Human-Elephant Conflict,Man-elephant conflict
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