Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren held a high-level review meeting with officials of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department at the Chief Minister’s Residential Office on Kanke Road to address the rising incidents of human-elephant conflict in the state.
Expressing serious concern over increasing elephant attacks, the Chief Minister issued strict instructions to ensure the safety of lives and property. He emphasized that the Forest Department must take all necessary steps to prevent even a single death due to elephant attacks.
27 Deaths Reported Across Several Districts
During the meeting, CM Soren highlighted that nearly 27 people have lost their lives in recent months due to elephant attacks in districts including Ramgarh, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Chaibasa, Jamshedpur, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Dumka.
Calling the situation “extremely serious,” he questioned why an effective mechanism had not yet been developed despite the state having a significant elephant population that frequently strays into rural areas.
Formation of Elephant Rescue Teams and Quick Response System
To tackle the crisis, the Chief Minister directed officials to develop a structured and effective rescue system. He instructed the department to provide technical training to villagers in affected areas and form dedicated Elephant Rescue Teams.
The government also plans to supply essential materials such as diesel, kerosene, old tyres, torches, and solar sirens to help villagers safely drive elephants away from settlements.
Forest officials informed the Chief Minister that a stronger Quick Response Mechanism is being developed. Six trained “Kumki” elephants are being brought in to strengthen tracking and rescue operations. Additionally, elephant rescue experts will be engaged to support field operations.
Compensation Within 12 Days of Incident
CM Soren gave clear directions that compensation for loss of life or property must not be delayed. In cases of death due to elephant attacks, the full compensation amount must be disbursed within 12 days of the incident.
He also instructed officials to review existing compensation rules related to animal attacks and introduce necessary amendments to ensure faster and more effective relief to affected families.
The Chief Minister stressed that timely payment is as important as the compensation itself.
Mapping of Elephant Corridors for Long-Term Strategy
To develop a long-term solution, CM Soren directed the department to provide detailed data on deaths and compensation over the past five years. He also ordered the mapping of all elephant corridors in Jharkhand to reduce future human-elephant conflicts through better planning and habitat management.
Officials reported that a particularly aggressive group of five elephants in the Hazaribagh region is being closely monitored, with a 70-member team deployed and the area kept on high alert.
Focus on Human Safety and Wildlife Management
The Jharkhand government’s latest measures aim to balance wildlife conservation with human safety. By strengthening rescue systems, ensuring time-bound compensation, and mapping elephant corridors, the state is working toward reducing casualties and minimizing conflict between humans and wildlife.
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