Five Elephants Dead in Musabani Forest; DC Orders Stringent Safety Measures
A heartbreaking incident in East Singhbhum’s Musabani forest area claims the lives of five elephants due to electrocution.
JAMSHEDPUR – A tragic event unfolded in the Uparabada potash forest of Musabani where five elephants, including three males and two females, were electrocuted by a 33 kV electric wire.
Upon receiving the news, ranger Digvijay Singh, forest ranger Sunaram Sabar, and other forest personnel rushed to the site.
Forester Sabar confirmed the deaths, stating that the elephants came in contact with a high-voltage wire belonging to HCL company.
Mamta Priyadarshi, DFO of Jamshedpur Forest Division, reported that the elephant herd initially numbered nine, with four surviving the incident.
The forest department team conducted post-mortem examinations on the deceased elephants.
This incident adds to the alarming statistic of seven elephant deaths in a month due to electric power lines, including previous fatalities in the Chakulia forest area.
In response, Jamshedpur’s District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner, Manjunath Bhajantri, visited the site for a thorough investigation.
He has ordered a high-level inquiry and is preparing to take legal action against those responsible.
DC Bhajantri also directed the Forest and Electricity Departments to ensure future adherence to safety standards in forest areas.
This includes the urgent installation of electrical wires at safe heights and within a stipulated timeframe.
Additionally, he noted the presence of four elephants in the vicinity, instructing the forest officials to safely relocate them.
This incident has sparked a significant response, focusing on preventing such tragedies and reinforcing wildlife protection measures in the region.
