Working in the forest is a risky affair. While enforcing the law or dealing with the wild animals, forest personnel and rangers expose themselves to different kinds of danger. Every year, many of them die in the line of duty.
According to the International Ranger Foundation, more than 40 rangers were killed during June 2022 to May 2023 in India. Recently, when an expert in firing tranquilizer darts at elephants, HH Venkatesh, died from injuries suffered in an elephant attack in the Hassan district of Karnataka, it sparked a lot of debate. A video went viral where he could be seen on foot while firing the dart. Many wildlife experts are divided in their opinions on the incident. Some say that this mishap could have been avoided if proper protocol had been followed. But, is forest a place where protocol can be followed to the dot?
Indian Masterminds talked to few experienced Indian Forest Service officers to find out their take on this incident.
WHAT HAPPENED
A 40-year-old tusker named Bheema had injuries on his back due to a fight with another tusker. He was seen roaming around by the villagers but had not not attacked any person or animal since getting injured till that fateful day.
The Hassan forest division took permission from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to tranquilize the injured elephant for treatment. Venketash, who has been doing this job since last 20 years, was assigned this job. After darting the animal from just 20 ft away, he stood there on the ground thinking the animal would move forward. However, the elephant
Another green soldier falls on the line of duty🙏🙏
— Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) August 31, 2023
Venkatesh, popularly known as Ane Venkatesh had tranquilised over 50 rogue elephants in order to move them to different elephant camps. He was injured in wild elephant attack in Hassan district today & succumbed later. RIP🙏 pic.twitter.com/fEtvQGTbI1
instead turned around and chased and trampled Venkatesh who stumbled and fell to the ground while trying to save himself. He was rushed to the hospital but couldn’t be saved.
BETTER STRATEGY
Forest officers from across the country have offered their condolence for this tragic incident. Field Director of Bandipur, Dr. P Ramesh, said that this mishap might not have happened if proper protocol was followed. “There is no doubt about his capability. He was an expert and successfully darted around 50 animals. Yet, when such an operation comes, one should make a proper strategy before going to the field. Everyone should try to follow the safety measures because it is for their own benefit.”
He also said that the elephant could have gone any way, and it was unfortunate that it turned on Venkatesh.
EACH CONFLICT DIFFERENT
Senior IFS officer Ramesh Pandey believes that each man-animal conflict is different. The terrain is different, so the situation is different. In such a scenario, it is up to the team to take a decision based on the scenario. “There are no set rules in forest. Each situation is unique. We should trust the instinct of the person on the field. Mishap could have happen while following the procedure also. One can fall out of a gypsy or fall down from the kunki elephant that is used for darting. So, one should not demean the effort of the ranger who lost his life after losing his job,” said he said.
Mr. Pandey also pointed out that there is always a scope for calculated risk in such kind of operations, and daring people do take the risks. And, we should respect their sacrifices.
