In the early hours of Saturday, Kersai village in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district witnessed a tragic incident. Two brothers, Kokde (45) and Padva (43), were trampled to death by a wild elephant. They were sleeping peacefully in their mud house when the attack happened around 3 am.
Desperate Attempt to Save
One of the brothers sensed the elephant’s presence and went outside to investigate. Tragically, the elephant grabbed him with its trunk and trampled him to death. The second brother met a similar fate while trying to save his sibling. Forest and police officials arrived soon after, recovering the bodies for postmortem.
Background of Human-Elephant Conflicts
Human-elephant conflicts have been a growing concern in northern Chhattisgarh for over a decade. Districts like Surguja, Raigarh, Korba, Surajpur, Jashpur, and Balrampur have faced numerous such incidents. The elephants have been roaming the Tapkara area for the past six months, leading to heightened tension among villagers.
Monitoring and Caution
Forest officers and volunteers have been closely monitoring elephant movements, alerting villagers, and advising caution. Despite these efforts, incidents like the one in Kersai village highlight the ongoing challenges in managing human-elephant conflicts.
Immediate Response and Compensation
Upon receiving information about the incident, forest and police personnel rushed to the scene. They recovered the bodies of the deceased brothers and sent them for postmortem. Authorities have announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 25,000 for the families, with further compensation to follow after completing necessary formalities.
Continuous Efforts for Safety
Officials are continuously working to mitigate the risks associated with human-elephant conflicts. They have been actively engaging with the local community, providing guidance, and implementing measures to ensure the safety of the villagers.
Historical Context of Elephant Presence
Elephants have been a part of Chhattisgarh’s landscape for centuries. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem, but their increasing interaction with human settlements has led to significant challenges. Efforts to create a balance between human habitation and wildlife conservation continue to be a priority for the state.
Conservation and Coexistence
Promoting coexistence between humans and elephants is essential. Initiatives to create awareness, build elephant corridors, and involve local communities in conservation efforts are crucial steps toward reducing conflicts. The tragic incident in Kersai village serves as a reminder of the importance of these ongoing efforts.