Elephant killings blamed on Orissa mining

Elephants in Orissa face extinction if they continue to die or be killed at the current rate, according to official and unofficial counts.

Spreading mining activity in the region is blamed for man's conflict with the elephant.

At least 60 elephants have been killed in the past two years, official estimates say - and unofficial reports say 200 elephants died during the same time.

Reports also point out nine elephants died in November.

Iron ore and manganese mining has destroyed the forests where the elephants used to roam freely forcing them into farmers lands.

"It is after all this mining that elephants have started to come here to our fields," said a villager.

The RFO in Keonjhar says, "we are understaffed". "Fifty percent vacancy, there is not enough equipment and roads are bad," he added.

Human casualties

Villagers are also being killed in the man-elephant fight for survival. In the last six years 62 people have died and 75 others were injured.

Over 1500 houses have been destroyed, and 3000 acres of crops damaged, as a result over 4000 families have been affected.

The forest department blames the situation on mining activity in the area.

"We try to do our job but the fact is this increase in mining has really destroyed and disturbed traditional elephant habitats," Suresh Mohanty, the PCCF in Orissa said.

But the minister for mining has denied any responsibility.

"That is not our problem," said Padhmanabhan Behera, the Steel and Mines Minister of Orissa when he was asked about measures taken to deal with the situation.

"That is not our job it is up to the forest department to control any problems with elephants and wildlife," he said.

Chief minister of Orissa Naveen Patnaik has promised to look into the situation, but he is also about to grant two more massive mining contracts in the region, which is likely to mean an even sharper increase in elephant killings.

NDTV website dated 16.11.2006