One has lost count of elephant deaths in the recent past — from train hits, poaching, falling into open wells and electrocution, the last accounting for most cases (“Officials mull measures to prevent elephant deaths”, Feb.5). While the electricity boards can be faulted for mulling late preventive measures, the Centre has been lethargic in setting up a task force to suggest measures to prevent such tragedies. In the northern part of India it is accidents from train hits while in the South it seems to be a result of well-drowning and illegal tapping of electricity that cause the most deaths. Stringent punishment for illegal tapping of electricity by the way of life sentencing should be explored by a task force.
All open wells need to be fenced in the vicinity of elephant corridors and accountability should rest with the owners, with punitive penalties for non-compliance. It is incumbent upon such a task force to make the Railways take preventive measures in elephant corridors. At this rate, future generations will have to learn about this majestic animal only from picture books.
A.V. Narayanan,
Tiruchi
