The controversy over elephant deaths in Simlipal Tiger reserve in Odisha has deepened further with the discovery of three more carcasses — two of these charred, another in a decomposed state. While, in a report, a team set up by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has confirmed seven jumbo deaths, information is coming in about possible deaths of at least eight more pachyderms.
The Pioneer had reported on the series of jumbo deaths on June 2, following which the NTCA had ordered a probe into the incident by a two-member committee. Accord-ing to sources, the recently-submitted report mentions of seven confirmed deaths of tuskers in the reserve.
However, sources said this is not the end of the story. “Three more carcasses, including charred bones of two jumbos and decomposed carcass of another, were found.”
Their samples have been brought from the area, informed the sources. “There is definite evidence of at least seven-eight more deaths,” they asserted.
The sources also confirmed having sighted at least 50 chulhas in the core area, near Jodapal, which were estimated to have been used in cooking meals for at least 300 persons. Bones of sambar, bison and barking deer have also been found there.
Meanwhile, Field Director of the reserve, HS Upadhyay, told The Pioneer that a team, comprising Deputy Field Director VR Das, Assistant Conservator DK Samal and informers, found several bones in the forest. But he added these bones could not be said to be parts of the three carcasses. “They need to be examined thoroughly,” he said.
Upadhyay said the team would visit the forest next week once again, to check out for more such carcasses and maintained that the department is in full control of the situation with senior officers undertaking frequent visits to reserve areas.
However, others don’t agree with Upadhyay’s contention that the situation was under control. “How much is the forest department in the know of things happening in the reserve?” questioned an expert. “If such a situation continues, Simlipal may also be destined to go the Sariska way.”
The most disturbing factor, according to experts, is that though it is a tiger reserve, but there seems to be little or no response from the forest department on elephant deaths. They claim that it was left for the independent teams of wildlife activists and enthusiasts to venture into the deep and scout out information and reports, which often forces the department to act.
The sources further pointed out that the three revenue villages in the core area are proving to be major threats to the wildlife there. “They are keen to be relocated from the forests, but the department unfortunately does not seem to be as much interested,” they regretted.
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