Elephant death toll in MP's Bandhavgarh reserve rises to 7; govt orders probe

Three more elephants have died in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve BTR in Madhya Pradeshs Umaria district taking the toll to seven The MP government has ordered a probe into the matter reported the PTIThe condition of three other tuskers was serious a forest official said on WednesdayMadhya Pradeshs Forest Minister Ramniwas Rawat has ordered a probe by a Special Investigation Team SIT into the death of the tuskers and asked officials to ensure strict action against culprits as per the PTIBandhavgarh Tiger Reserves deputy director Prakash Kumar Verma said prime facie the elephants seemed to have died after consuming Kodo millet but the exact cause will be known after the autopsyFour wild elephants were found dead in the BTR on Tuesday while four others part of the same herd of 13 tuskers were found ill during routine patrolling officials earlier saidPrakash Kumar Verma on Wednesday said so far seven elephants have died They were part of the herd of 13 pachyderms he informedThe condition of three other jumbos was serious and they were being treated while the BTR teams were monitoring the movement of remaining elephants that were part of the herd he saidOn Tuesday Verma informed that four elephants were found dead in Salkhania and Bakeli areas under Khitoli range of the reserve a popular tourist attraction during routine patrolling by forest guardsIn a post on X late Tuesday night Forest Minister Rawat said the untimely death of the precious elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was saddening and heartbreakingIn view of the seriousness of the issue officials have been directed to immediately constitute an SIT and take strict action against the culprits Rawat said the news agency reported on WednesdayMeanwhile senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday termed the death of seven elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh absolutely shocking and said a full inquiry must take place immediately as well as preventive measures be instituted reported the PTICongress general secretary incharge communications Jairam Ramesh said The news from the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve that seven elephants have died while two or three more are critical is absolutely shockingThis wipes out some 10 per cent of the elephant population in the reserve at one go A full inquiry must take place immediately and preventive measures must be instituted the former environment minister said on X tagging Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav 7 2 3 1037 byadavbjpmdash Jairam Ramesh Jairam_Ramesh October 30 2024Madhya Pradeshs Forest Minister Ramniwas Rawat has ordered a probe by a Special Investigation Team SIT into the death of the tuskers and asked officials to ensure strict action against culprits as per the PTIwith PTI inputs