DIBRUGARH: A wild elephant in Madhupur Paroliguri in the Dibrugarh district of Assam passed away after coming in contact with an 11,000-volt high-tension power line.
The tragedy exposes the Assam electricity department's alleged negligence, since they have consistently neglected to solve the dangerous situation caused by the hazardously suspended power line.
“The power line, which has been precariously suspended over paddy fields for over two years, poses a significant threat to both humans and wildlife. Despite numerous complaints from local residents, the Power department officials has failed to take corrective measures to address the issue,” said a local.
According to him, the exposed power line has killed this helpless elephant in addition to hindering local farming operations.
According to BV Sandeep, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for Dibrugarh, the elephant was electrocuted in a forest settlement.
“A wild elephant died due to electrocution at Madhupur Parolinguri, a forest village. A herd of wild elephants was passing through the area, which is part of the forest,” he said.
The DFO questioned the incompetence and carelessness that resulted in this catastrophic loss and voiced worries about the activation of high-power lines in an area known for elephant movement.
Furthermore, he raised severe concerns about the department's decision-making process by questioning why high-power cables were activated in an area where elephants move.
“We have conducted an autopsy and buried the elephant in the presence of local residents. It is unacceptable that such a tragic incident could occur due to sheer negligence,” he added.
Environmental groups and local residents have called for the dangerous power line to be fixed and for the accountable officials to face harsh consequences.
To avoid such occurrences in the future, they have also demanded increased awareness.
ALSO READ:
ALSO WATCH: