Chhattisgarh

• 06 Nov 2024

Elephants Electrocuted in Raipur

Why in News?

The Chhattisgarh High Court has reprimanded the state energy department officials for negligence following the electrocution of three elephants in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh.

Key Points

• Court’s Decision:
  • A division bench directed the energy department to submit affidavits detailing the incident. The officials were asked to provide an account of the circumstances surrounding the elephants' deaths in Raigarh's Gharghoda Forest Range and to outline preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
  • Preliminary investigations revealed that forest department staff had repeatedly warned the local electricity department about the dangerously low 11 kV transmission line.
    • However, no action was taken to address the issue, ultimately leading to the elephants’ deaths.
• Emphasis on Wildlife Safety:
  • Taking up the matter suo motu, the court emphasized the importance of wildlife protection and conservation, underscoring the need for responsible management in areas inhabited by wildlife.
• Elephant Fatalities in Chhattisgarh:
  • According to the state forest department, Chhattisgarh has reported over 70 elephant deaths in the past six years due to various causes, with 13 of these due to electrocution in 2024.