Assam: Pregnant elephant electrocuted in Chirang

In another case of human-elephant conflict, three elephants, including a pregnant elephant, died of electrocution in Assam, officials said on Wednesday.

The pregnant elephant died near the Manas National Park in Chirang district on Wednesday.

Chirang forest officials said this is the second such case since Sunday and the sixth since August in the region.

“A pregnant elephant was electrocuted at Sikajhora Village. Our team got to know about it at 3 am on Wednesday,” said Brahmananda Pateri, Divisional Forest Officer, Chirang.

On Monday, the carcass of an electrocuted elephant was recovered in Dongsia Para Village of Chirang Wildlife Division near the Kuklong range of Manas National Park. The elephant was electrocuted on Sunday.

“Since August, six elephants have died of electrocution in this division,” Pateri said.

According to forest officials, locals often electrify their galvanised iron wire fences to prevent elephants from entering their farms and residences.

“We have arrested seven persons since August. In three cases, the culprits are absconding,” said Pateri.

Officials said they have even approached the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited to stop power supply to illegal encroachers.

“So far 29 transformers have been disconnected,” said Pateri.

Amal Kumar Sarma, the field director of the Manas National Park said he has written to officials of the Chirang Wildlife Division to arrest the culprits responsible for the electrocution of elephants.

“We will pick up the remaining culprits soon,” Pateri said.

In a separate incident, Ramandeep Kaur, SP, West Karbi Anglong, said, “Two elephants got electrocuted last night in a village under Khironi police station.”

A herd was crossing the village when two elephants got trapped by low-hanging transmission lines.