Accident – death – Obituary News :

Tragic Incident in Bagdogra: Man Fatally Trampled by Rogue Elephant

Kolkata, December 16, 2023

In a devastating incident that occurred in Bagdogra near Siliguri in West Bengal, a man lost his life after being trampled by a rogue elephant on Saturday. The victim, identified as Dilip Roy, was a skilled mason who tragically came face to face with the isolated elephant. This unfortunate incident marks the ninth human fatality caused by elephant attacks this year.

The local forest department officials reported that the elephant, which had strayed from its herd, entered the residential area, putting the lives of the local residents at risk. Despite efforts to prevent any harm, Roy fell victim to the sudden aggression of the elephant. Another person was injured during the incident and has been promptly admitted to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Furthermore, the elephant caused significant damage to a few houses in the surrounding vicinity before being successfully controlled by the authorities.

Regrettably, this incident follows a similar tragedy that occurred in November in the Naxalbari area of the Darjeeling district. In that instance, a woman lost her life due to an unprovoked attack by an elephant. These recurring incidents have raised concerns among the forest department officials, as they strive to find viable solutions to prevent such fatalities.

The forest department has assured the grieving family of Dilip Roy that they will receive appropriate compensation for their loss. Authorities are fully aware of the persistent issue of elephants venturing into human habitation, which poses a significant challenge for both the department and the local population.

Officials have highlighted the dual danger associated with these encounters. Firstly, the presence of elephants in residential areas poses a constant threat to the lives of the local inhabitants. Secondly, in an attempt to deter the elephants from entering their communities, villages often resort to using electric fencing on the boundaries, unintentionally causing harm to the elephants.

The forest department acknowledges the complexity of this issue and is actively working towards finding sustainable solutions to mitigate the human-elephant conflict. They are exploring various measures to ensure the safety of both humans and elephants, including the implementation of awareness campaigns, training programs, and the establishment of protected corridors for elephants to roam freely.

As such unfortunate incidents continue to occur, it becomes imperative for all stakeholders, including the government, local communities, and conservation organizations, to come together and devise effective strategies that prioritize the well-being of both humans and elephants. Only through collaborative efforts can we hope to minimize such tragic occurrences and foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Source: IANS

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