The spate of reports on elephant deaths is disturbing. The long-term survival of the gentle giant is in question as man and animal increasingly compete over forest land, food and water. The only way to save the species from becoming extinct is to start an elephant research institute that will blend modern technology with information from ancient history and native knowledge. In this, the Centre must take the lead.
Dr. S. Shanmugam,
Tirunelveli
Yet another elephant has suffered a painful death, this time after being hit by a speeding State Express Transport Corporation bus (Tamil Nadu, “Injured elephant dies of cardiac arrest at camp”, July 7). The Animal Welfare Board has to be proactive in its intervention in recurring incidents of man-animal conflict. Students must be made aware of Article 51A(g). There are also many of us who want to help animals in distress but do not know how to do it.
Srihari Bandla,
Proddutur, Andhra Pradesh
