Elephant death toll in MP tiger reserve rises to 7, Cong leader demands probe
The death toll of the elephants, who died at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, rose to seven on Wednesday. Of these, three are critically ill.
Ex- Environment Minister and senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has demanded an inquiry into the matter. “The news from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh that seven elephants have died while two or three more are critical is absolutely shocking. This wipes out some 10 per cent of the elephant population in the reserve in one go. A full inquiry must take place immediately and preventive measures must be instituted,” Ramesh said.
On Tuesday, four elephants of 13 in a herd were found dead by the forest patrolling staff in the tiger reserve. A day later, three more died, taking the toll to seven. Four in the herd were found healthy but their health is being monitored.
According to sources, farmers might have sprayed pesticide in large quantities that would have been consumed by the elephants, resulting in their death.
MP’s Forest Minister Ramniwas Rawat has ordered a probe by an SIT into the death of the tuskers and asked officials to ensure strict action against the culprits.
“The unfortunate death of elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is extremely sad and heartbreaking. Investigation into the death is underway and other elephants are being treated. Looking at the seriousness of the matter, an SIT has been constituted and strict action should be taken against the culprits. Instructions have already been given in this regard,” he said.
The tiger reserve’s deputy director, Prakash Kumar Verma, said, “Prima facie, the elephants died after consuming kudo millet. Autopsy is being conducted, and the exact cause will be known after that.”
The tiger reserve currently has a population of roughly 50 elephants. Since 2019, India has lost 528 elephants due to unnatural causes.
