By Trend News Line 2024-07-01 08:19:55.
Tragic Deaths in Assam’s Human-Elephant Conflict
Two elderly individuals, Ilawati Rabha (56) and Gunj Rabha (70), met a tragic end as they were trampled to death by a herd of wild elephants in Assam’s Goalpara district. The incident occurred on Sunday night in the Lakhipur area of the district, where the elephants ventured into a residential locality in search of food. The helpless victims were unable to escape the wrath of the massive creatures, resulting in their untimely demise.
Locals Witness Destruction and Tragedy
Eyewitnesses recounted the horror as the elephants rampaged through the area, destroying homes and causing chaos. Fortunately, some residents managed to flee to safety, but Ilawati and Gunj were not as fortunate. Their lives were cut short in a matter of moments, leaving the community in shock and mourning. The forest officials were promptly informed of the tragic incident, leading to the recovery of the victims’ bodies for postmortem examination.
Appeal for Action in the Face of Tragedy
The residents of Goalpara have been living in fear due to the escalating human-elephant conflict in the region. They have made heartfelt appeals to the forest department to address the issue and find a lasting solution to prevent further tragedies. The lack of intervention from authorities has left the locals feeling abandoned and vulnerable, with no respite in sight. The plea for help echoes throughout the community, as they grapple with the constant threat posed by wildlife encroaching on their habitat.
History of Tragedy and Loss
This recent incident adds to a series of unfortunate events involving human casualties in encounters with wild elephants in Assam. Just a few days prior, a 45-year-old man fell victim to a similar fate in Panditpara village of Rangjuli area, underscoring the persistent danger faced by residents. The toll of lives lost to the human-elephant conflict continues to rise, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the risks and protect vulnerable communities.
Root Causes and Preventive Measures
Forest officials have noted that many wild elephants in Assam have also perished due to electrocution, often caused by the improper use of high-tension electric wires near residential areas. This unfortunate cycle of harm underscores the importance of sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife. The need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of conflict and implement preventive measures is more pressing than ever. It is imperative for all stakeholders to come together and work towards a harmonious balance that safeguards both human lives and the natural habitat of wild animals..
– Elderly persons killed human-elephant conflict Assam
– Two elderly persons killed human-elephant conflict Assam.