Odisha's Ganjam district becoming a graveyard for elephants; Govt should consider the demand for Mahurikalua Zoological Park near Berhampur

Eastern Ghats at Mahuri-Kalua near Berhampur

Altogether 18 elephants were killed in Ganjam district alone over the past year raising questions about the wild life protection measures of the Government. The latest death of an elephant at Palur after the tragic accident that happened at Sabalaya under Khallikote forest range where six elephants were killed after being hit by the speeding Coromondal train has exposed the hallow wild life protection measures of the government.  Of the 18 elephants killed, nine were females, four males and five calves. The deaths were reported from the forest ranges of Muzagada, Khallikote, Buguda, Gallery and Tarsingi, official sources said. While seven were killed on railway tracks, six died of electrocution and the others to disease or old age, they said.  A female elephant and its two-month-old calf died of electrocution at Kanakhai forests in Khallikote forest range on October 7. Another female elephant and its male calf died after coming into contact with electric wires laid by poachers at Karadabani forests under Gallery range in Ghumusar (North) division on October 6. A tusker died of electrocution at Karchuli jungle in Buguda range on September 26.

Environmental protection and conservation of rare species of animals and birds have received attention across the country while attempts in this regard leave a lot to be desired in Odisha. Ganjam District and the southern region of the State are home to some unique species of animals and birds which are getting extinct over time. Be it the Black Bucks of Bhetanai, peacocks in Pakidi, Olive Ridley turtles found in Rushikulya River mouth, Dolphins of Chilika Lake, wild animals like bears, elephants and leopards of Ganjam, Koraput and Kandhamal etc., all face the danger of extinction, if better protection measures are not put in place.

Mahuri-Kalua, on the outskirts of Berhampur city is an attractive tourist destination in the Eastern-Ghat range with huge tracts of reserved forest and this is home to some wild animals as well. Located on the Berhampur – Koraput State Highway, it has some tribal habitations as well. The local communities in Ganjam are known for protection of rare animals and this has been appreciated by organizations like the United Nations in the past. Therefore the Zoological Park at Mahurikalua will be give an impetus for wild-life protection measures of the government and in saving the lives of the elephants from getting crushed under the train wheels and high-tension electric poles. It is time the State Government gave a serious thought to the demand for declaring Mahuri-Kalua as a zoological Park on the lines of Nandankanan and ensure the protection of the rich wildlife treasure of Ganjam and south Odisha. 

Source: Deccan Herald & weekenddestinations.info