Champua: Locals of Bardhana under Champua block in Keonjhar district have exhibited their deep love and concern for elephants. For a dead elephant, they have raised a 40ft pillar to spread awareness about the protection of animals.
A tusker was electrocuted after coming in contact with a precariously dangling transmission line September 7, 2009 in Bardhana. It was part of a herd that was moving in the area in search of food. The animal’s death left a deep scar on the minds of the local people.
As per local traditional belief, the elephant is regarded as Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. The animal had died on the farmland of the village head.
The village head and the residents wanted to set up a pillar to perpetuate the memory of the gentle giant. The villagers raised donations and set up the memorial with the help of the forest department at the place where the electrocuted elephant’s carcass was buried. The place was locally named Hatimara (elephant killer) since then.
The locals believe that apart from reminding the animal’s death, the pillar will be raising awareness among the people for the protection of animals which have been dying across the state due to various reasons. While some are electrocuted, some die on railway tracks or fall prey to poachers or into deep trenches.
Considered as a monument for the elephant, the pillar was inaugurated on the day of Makar Sankranti amid sankirtan and colourful programmes. The place wore a festive look as Makar festival was going on at the place for three days. People from Bhumipur sang kirtans while tribals of Bardhan performed a Santali dance.
Sarpanch of Jali panchayat Taramani Singh, Baria IIC Sushantmani Mohanty, retired teacher Harekrushna Mohant, Kailash Chandra Tanti, Laxmidhar Nayak, Sushama Nayak, Pramila Nayak, Damayanti Nayak, Pratima Nayak and Tulasi Ballabh Nayak were present on the occasion.
PNN
