bengal-seeks-centre-s-nod-to-sterilise-wild-elephants

Mamata Banerjee government has writen to the Centre, expressing concern over the issue of elephant population in West Bengal leading to several deaths of locals. 

 

The state government is seeking approval to perform a contraceptive operation on female pachyderms.

 

With more than 800 elephants in the state, the increasing number of elephants has become a concern. The state forest and wildlife authorities are finding it difficult to manage.

 

Citing the spiraling man-elephant conflicts claiming 16 lives this year, Bengal government sought a nod from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to sterilise wild elephants, said an official of the state forest department.

 

In 2023, a total of 23 persons were killed in elephant attacks in West Bengal. Once the elephant population dipped to 85 in the state.

 

Birbaha Hansda, the state forest minister, admitted that increasing elephant population is now posing a threat to human lives. 

 

“In 2024, we recorded more than 800 elephants in our state. Besides, the herd of elephants enter the state from Jharkhand, Bihar and Nepal round the year. We have written to the Centre for giving us permission to initiate the sterilisation programme and a reponse from Delhi is yet to reach us,” she said.

 

According to forest officials, there is a change in the elephants’ food habits. 

 

“Previously, the animals used to be attracted by paddy and vegetables cultivated by local villagers. But now, there are many examples of elephants entering villages, stopping goods and tourists’ vehicles and sometimes, attacking grocery outlets for food,” said a forest official.

 

He also pointed out that deforestation is also another issue that is driving elephants towards human habitats.

 

“Most elephant behaviour and pattern is inherited, including migration. Their natural cycles cannot be disturbed. Elephants have complex physiology and biology,” said the official.

 

The forest minister Birbaha pointed out the issue of residential elephants. 

 

“On many occasions, it was found that one or two elephants left their herd and started roaming around in villages. Many villagers were killed in attacks by residential elephants,” she added.