Tackling Man-Elephant Conflicts: Jharkhand's Urgent Measures

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren addresses rising man-elephant conflicts after 27 fatalities in multiple districts. He mandates a mechanism to prevent human deaths and maps elephant corridors. Trained locals will join rescue teams. Compensation is to be expedited for victims' families.

Jharkhand is grappling with a surge in man-elephant conflicts, prompting state Chief Minister Hemant Soren to address the issue urgently. The state has seen 27 fatalities in recent months from these encounters, with tragic incidents occurring across districts like Ramgarh, Bokaro, and Hazaribag.

Chief Minister Soren has directed officials to develop a mechanism to prevent future human casualties. His plan includes mapping all elephant corridors and providing technical training to residents in affected areas, intending to equip locals with skills to join rescue efforts.

Soren emphasized the importance of speedy compensation for victims' families, urging that payments be completed within 12 days of incidents. In tandem, forest officials are set to deploy 'Kumki' elephants to manage rogue tuskers, as part of a swift response mechanism under development in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)