A male Asian wild elephant, estimated to be around 60 years old, was electrocuted in the early hours of Friday after coming into contact with a live wire at Luhijan village under Jonai in Dhemaji district, Assam. The incident occurred at approximately 2 am when the elephant entered the village and approached a paddy barn belonging to a local farmer. While attempting to feed on the stored paddy, the animal touched a live wire and was electrocuted on the spot.
Villagers Alert Authorities
Villagers, alerted by the commotion, informed the forest department at around 6 am. Forest officials rushed to the site and assessed the situation. The carcass of the elephant was found near the paddy barn. “After the post-mortem is completed, the carcass will be buried deep in the ground at the site,” an official said. He added that an investigation has been initiated to determine the circumstances leading to the elephant's death.
Recurring Elephant Visits
Locals reported that the elephant had been repeatedly venturing into the village from the Poba Reserve Forest over the past several days, raiding grain barns. “This elephant had been coming to our village for the last several days and stealing grain from our barns. We were already worried about the damage it was causing,” said a villager.
Concerns Over Illegal Deterrents
The death has cast a shadow of concern over the local community, with residents expressing both grief and unease. The use of live electric wires as a deterrent against wildlife intrusion is a practice sometimes followed by farmers. This illegal practice has resulted in the deaths of elephants and other animals across the state, drawing criticism from wildlife activists and conservationists.
Human-Elephant Conflict in Assam
Human-elephant conflict remains a persistent problem in several districts of Assam, including Dhemaji, where elephant herds frequently enter human settlements in search of food, causing damage to crops and property, and at times, loss of human life. Forest department officials have urged villagers not to use live electric wires or any other harmful methods to keep wild animals at bay, and instead report elephant movement to authorities for prompt intervention.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in managing human-wildlife interactions in the region. Conservationists stress the need for sustainable solutions that protect both livelihoods and wildlife.
