Chakulia block of the district is grappling with a growing issue of tusker menace, with incidents of elephant-human conflicts on the rise. In response to the alarming situation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced plans to stage a demonstration in protest at the Chakulia Forest Department office on July 6, demanding immediate action to curb the elephant menace.
The menace caused by wild elephants has become a pressing concern for the residents of Chakulia, as these majestic creatures increasingly encroach upon human settlements, resulting in property damage and endangering lives. The frequency of such incidents has witnessed a notable surge in recent months, prompting local authorities and political parties to address the issue.
The BJP, in a bid to raise awareness and advocate for immediate intervention, has decided to organise a demonstration at the Chakulia Forest Department office. Scheduled for July 6, the protest aims to voice the concerns of the affected community and urge the authorities to take proactive measures to mitigate the elephant menace.
“ Party members, along with concerned residents, will gather outside the Forest Department office to demand urgent action. The BJP intends to put forth a list of demands, which include increased surveillance and monitoring of elephant movements, implementation of effective preventive measures to discourage elephant intrusion into populated areas, and the deployment of trained personnel to manage human-elephant conflicts,” said a party leader.
He emphasised the need for immediate attention from the Forest Department, citing the escalating risks faced by the residents. They expressed solidarity with the affected individuals and affirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the local community.
Local BJP leaders have been mobilizing party workers and residents to participate actively in the demonstration. They have called for a peaceful protest and urged everyone to voice their concerns in a responsible manner, emphasizing the importance of drawing attention to the elephant menace and pressing for appropriate action.
The Chakulia Forest Department has been notified about the forthcoming protest, and adequate security measures have been requested to ensure a peaceful demonstration. The department officials are expected to meet with BJP representatives to discuss the concerns and explore possible solutions to address the issue of tusker menace effectively.
Recently a herd of elephants launched a sudden attack on the Food Corporation of India (FCI) office. The rampage, which lasted for several minutes, resulted in significant damage to the office building and created a state of chaos. Authorities have swiftly responded to the incident, assessing the damage and implementing measures to enhance safety in the area.
With the BJP's planned demonstration, the residents of Chakulia hope to draw the attention of authorities and create awareness about the pressing need for immediate action to curb the elephant menace. The protest serves as a platform for the affected community to unite and demand a safer living environment, free from the threats posed by wild elephants.