Bhopal: Sunday, November , 2024, : In response to the tragic deaths of elephants in Umaria, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has announced decisive actions, including the formation of a state-level Elephant Task Force. To foster harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants, a network of “Elephant Mitras” (Elephant Friends) will be created. These volunteers will work to raise awareness and implement strategies to protect elephants and local communities.
### Key Measures Announced:
1. **Establishment of “Elephant Mitras”**: In areas where elephant presence is high, specially trained volunteers will work with communities to promote safety and understanding between humans and elephants.
2. **Solar Fencing for Crop Protection**: Solar-powered fences will be installed to safeguard crops from elephant encroachments, providing a sustainable and secure solution for farmers.
3. **Diversifying Farmer Incomes**: Efforts will be made to engage farmers in agroforestry and other alternative livelihoods to reduce reliance on traditional farming.
4. **Government Collaboration**: The state will seek support from the Central Government and adopt best practices from states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam, where successful elephant conservation methods have been implemented.
5. **Compensation Increase for Human Casualties**: The ex-gratia payment for human fatalities caused by elephants has been increased from ₹8 lakh to ₹25 lakh per victim, benefiting affected families.
### Ensuring Safety and Awareness
Chief Minister Yadav emphasized that the recent incident in Umaria, where ten elephants died under unusual circumstances, is deeply tragic and must not be repeated. Field officers, including the Forest Director and ACFO, have been suspended for negligence. Additionally, a high-level team led by the State Minister of Forests conducted a thorough site inspection, and preliminary reports have not indicated poisoning. Final post-mortem results are awaited.
### Studying Successful Conservation Models
State officials will visit Karnataka, Kerala, and Assam to study effective conservation practices. These states have extensive experience in managing elephant populations, and their insights will guide Madhya Pradesh’s strategies. The Elephant Task Force will develop sustainable plans to manage elephant movements, ensuring minimal human-wildlife conflict.
### Rescue Efforts and Vigilance
On November 2, a wild elephant that fatally attacked two individuals in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve buffer zone was identified and rescued by a 40-member team led by senior wildlife officials. The incident occurred near Dharmokar Buffer Range and Deora Village in Umaria District, emphasizing the urgency for improved safety measures.
### Strengthening Conservation and Community Involvement
Efforts will be made to strengthen elephant habitats while also protecting human communities. Measures include installing solar fencing around agricultural lands and promoting coexistence through community engagement. Additionally, stray elephants separated from their herds will be radio-tracked to monitor their movements and prevent potential conflicts.
Chief Minister Yadav called for a comprehensive approach, inviting wildlife experts to implement innovative solutions. He highlighted the importance of public cooperation and awareness in districts with high elephant activity, ensuring that humans and elephants can coexist peacefully in Madhya Pradesh’s forests.
**High-Level Meeting Review**
During a meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence, Dr. Yadav received detailed updates from officials who recently inspected the Umaria incident site. Senior officials, including Minister of State for Forests Dilip Ahirwar and ACS Forest Ashok Barnwal, presented their findings. Virtual participation included Chief Secretary Anurag Jain and other top officials, demonstrating the government’s commitment to wildlife safety.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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