Elephant menace causes havoc in central India amidst absence of Forest Officer
by Aditi VermaThe residents of central India’s Madhya Pradesh, are grappling with the terror caused by wild elephants, leading to significant fear and distress due to loss of life and property.
The incident took place at Anuppur and the video went viral on July 18.
Visuals showed large elephants roaming here and there in the forests, their massive forms moving gracefully among the trees.
According to reports the local populace is enduring a severe crisis due to frequent elephant intrusions. These incursions have resulted in substantial damage to crops, homes, and in some tragic instances, human lives. The community’s plight has worsened over the last six months due to the absence of a permanent Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) to address the issue effectively.
Currently, the responsibilities of the Anuppur DFO are being handled by the Shahdol DFO (South) on a temporary basis. This arrangement has proven insufficient in managing the escalating human-elephant conflict. The residents are demanding the prompt appointment of a regular DFO to devise and implement strategies to mitigate the menace and safeguard their lives and properties.
The state authorities have acknowledged the urgency of the situation but have yet to take concrete steps towards appointing a permanent DFO. In the meantime, the people of Anuppur continue to live in fear, hoping for swift governmental intervention to restore safety and normalcy in their lives.