Jharkhand News : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of human-elephant conflict in the state and directed the Forest Department to take immediate and effective measures to prevent further loss of life and property.
Chairing a high-level meeting with officials of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department at his official residence in Ranchi, the Chief Minister emphasized that not a single death due to elephant attacks should occur in the state. He instructed officials to ensure strict monitoring and rapid response in affected areas.
According to official data, nearly 27 people have lost their lives in elephant attacks in recent months across districts including Ramgarh, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Chaibasa, Jamshedpur, Lohardaga, Gumla and Dumka. Calling the situation “extremely serious,” the Chief Minister stressed the need for a strong and sustainable mechanism to address human-elephant conflict.
Elephant Rescue Teams to Be Formed in Affected Areas
The Chief Minister directed the department to form trained “Elephant Rescue Teams” in vulnerable villages. Local residents will be provided technical training and essential resources such as diesel, kerosene, old tyres, torches and solar sirens to safely drive elephants away from human settlements.
He also emphasized awareness campaigns in rural areas and better coordination between villagers and forest officials.
Compensation Within 12 Days
Soren instructed that compensation must be provided within 12 days to families of victims who lose their lives due to elephant or other wildlife attacks. He made it clear that delays in compensation will not be tolerated and directed officials to amend rules if necessary to streamline the relief process.
Mapping of Elephant Corridors
The Chief Minister ordered mapping of all elephant corridors in the state and sought detailed data on deaths and compensation distributed over the past five years. He reiterated that providing timely and fair assistance to affected families is the government’s primary responsibility.
Officials informed that a Quick Response Mechanism is being developed for elephant rescue operations. Six trained ‘kumki’ elephants will be brought in to assist in tracking and controlling wild herds. Elephant rescue experts will also be engaged.
In Hazaribagh region, a group of five aggressive elephants is currently active, and a 70-member team has been deployed to monitor and manage the situation. The Forest Department is working in alert mode to prevent further incidents.
