Maintaining that the compensation amount for crop loss caused due to elephants in Odisha is highest in the country, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) SN Srivastava on Sunday urged the people not to attack the animals while they are destroying or eating crops.
“The Government is paying Rs 10,000 compensation per acre of paddy crop loss caused by elephants while Rs 12,000 is being paid for cash crop loss per acre. The compensation amount is the highest in the country. So, people should not attack the animals or resort to any other mediums to kill them,” said Srivastava while speaking at the Elephant Day celebration organsied by the Save Elephant Foundation Trust and the Orissa Environmental Society.
He called for increased protection of elephant habitats and corridors to save jumbos which are facing a development onslaught.
“The Government is providing fund under three schemes like elephant management plan, corridor development plan to protect the habitat of elephants and taking plantation activities in jungles,” said Srivastava, adding that Rs 5 core has been sanctioned to restore elephant corridors, plantation and fencing activities.
Every year, October 4, the day before Wildlife Week observance begins, is celebrated as the Elephant Day.
Speaking on the occasion, National Tiger Conservation Authority, Central region IG Dr Debabrata Swain approached the State Government to undertake massive bamboo plantation in jungles and sanctuaries to check exodus of pachyderms from the jungle and also to ensure adequate compensations to the victims thereby convincing the people not to attack or kill the animals.
He further urged the Government to introduce radio collars in elephants to monitor their activities.
Save Elephant Foundation Trust trustee and national youth awardee Prakash Chandra Jena and Odisha Environmental Society
president Sundar Narayan Patro and former PCCF Saroj Kumar Patnaik also spoke on the occasion.