Bantala: The man-animal conflict is witnessing an alarming trend with the deaths of 146 elephants and 131 people reported in the last five years under Angul forest circle, a report said.
The conflict arises out of manmade activities. Loss of green cover, food scarcity, laying of railway routes and setting up industries in elephant corridors, laying of livewires for poaching, killing of tuskers for ivory, collection of firewood and minor forest produce in elephant corridors, existence of mango and jackfruit orchards near forests and bursting of firecrackers inside forests are some of the reasons that have led to man-animal conflict resulting in casualties on both sides.
These factors force pachyderms to change their routes and stray into human habitats in search of food. Moreover, open wells in Dhenkanal, Chhendipada and Athagarh regions have also led to deaths of pachyderms. The loss of green cover has created food scarcity for the elephant and a change in its food habit. The pachyderms are now mostly feasting on crops raised by villagers instead of the usual bamboo.
The Angul forest circle is spread over Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh districts and comprises Angul, Athamallik, Athagarh, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Satkosia and Mahanadi wildlife divisions.
According to data available from the office of the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), 146 elephants have died of various reasons during 2013-2018 Moreover, 131 people have died in elephant attacks during the period. Dhenkanal forest division has topped the chart in elephant deaths while Athagarh is placed at second and Mahanadi forest division is at third position.
The reports said 13 elephants and 28 people have died during the period in Angul forest division. Eight elephants and 13 women have died in Athamallik forest division while four elephants and three persons have died in Cuttack forest division during the period.
Fifty-nine elephants and 72 persons have died in Dhenkanal forest division while 17 elephants and three persons have died in Satkosia forest division during the period. Similarly, a female elephant died in Mahanadi wildlife division while no human casualty was reported during the period.
Environmentalists claimed that deaths arising out of man-animal conflict could be checked if farmers dig up trenches or put up solar fencing around their farmlands.
They also advised the authorities to ensure that elephant corridors are not encroached upon during construction of railway lines, canals and industries and demanded that patrolling by forest personnel be intensified.
Environmentalists also advised the authorities to raise the height of utility poles and replace naked wires with insulated cables to check electrocution of elephants.
Assistant chief conservator of forests Sudarshan Panda said special squads have been formed for patrolling while Rs 40 crore has been sanctioned from the MGNREGS funds to the state power department to change the 378km long supply line passing through the forests under various forest divisions of the circle.
PNN
