Rourkela: An elephant died after coming in contact with an alleged illegal power connection under Rourkela Forest Division (RFD) late Monday night – the second death in this district within a month.
Last month, a female jumbo died while undergoing treatment under Bonai Forest Division.
According to sources, the elephant came in contact with the 11kv live wire and died on the spot.
Reports say the power lines are illegal and are extended to a brick kiln operating near Nuagaon village under Lathikata gram panchayat.
Locals said the elephant screamed after coming in contact with the live wire but they did not go near it out of fear.
“We found the carcass of the adult elephant lying in the field in the morning only,” said Sukanti Ekka, a resident of Nuagaon.
On being informed, Rourkela DFO Jasobant Sethi rushed to the spot along with his team, while a scientific team reached there from Bhubaneswar.
Besides, the local veterinary team also rushed to the spot. The Forest Department has informed the Energy Department officials to find out how the 11kv line was allowed to the brick kiln. Besides, it was trying to ascertain the owner of the kiln.
PNN