Odisha Elephants Unnatural Death: Forest Minister Sri Ganesh Ram SingKhuntia has ordered a detailed inquiry into unnatural death of elephants in the State.
In a letter to Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Sri Satyabrat Sahu, Minister Sri SingKhuntia has expressed concern over the death of about 50 nos. of jumbos reported in the current year. Describing the matter circulated in media as very alarming, minister said that additional care and protective measures are necessary to curb the issue.
Minister Sri Singkhuntia stated that Government have been taking various steps to prevent the unnatural death of the elephants through several steps such as deployment of Gaja Sathis, and Rapid Action Teams etc. But more care and sincerity on the part of forest officials have become need of the hour to ensure safe environment with statutory protective measures for the safety of the elephants.
Priority must be given on the matter and errant officers must not be let scot free, Minister said. Responsibilities will be fixed against the officers found negligent and inefficient in safeguarding the life of the jumbos.
Minister Sri Singkhuntia has ordered for division-wise thorough investigation on jumbo death incidents and take stringent action against those found responsible and to submit a report within a month.
