Garhwa News: Young Elephant Calf Dies Tragically After Drowning in Garhwa Pond

Elephant Calf Found Dead in Pond at Bhandaria

Garhwa, November 02, 2024: On Saturday morning, residents of Chapalsi village in Garhwa’s Bhandaria block were shocked to discover the body of a young elephant submerged in a local pond. The elephant calf, estimated to have died a few days ago, was reportedly found in a decomposed state, emitting a strong odor that alerted villagers to its presence.

Upon being informed, forest officials from Garhwa South, including Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Benny Abraham, reached the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death. Preliminary assessments suggest the calf might have entered the pond to bathe, becoming trapped in the swampy pond bed and eventually drowning. The muddy terrain and swampy condition likely prevented the animal from freeing itself.

Forest Department Initiates Investigation

Forest authorities have begun an official investigation to determine the exact cause of death. DFO Benny Abraham and his team conducted an initial examination, gathering information from villagers who first noticed the animal in the pond. Based on their observations, officials hypothesize that the elephant calf may have struggled in the deep, muddy areas of the pond, making it unable to climb out.

Further assessment of the area around the pond is being carried out to prevent similar incidents. Local forest officers have noted that ponds and swampy areas can pose risks to wildlife, especially young elephants, who may lack the strength or experience to navigate such terrains.

Post-Mortem and Burial

In compliance with wildlife protocols, forest department personnel performed a post-mortem examination on the elephant calf to confirm the suspected cause of death. Following the examination, the remains were buried nearby to prevent any health hazards to the surrounding community.

This incident has brought renewed focus to wildlife safety in Garhwa, particularly concerning elephants who frequent these areas. Forest officials emphasized the need for additional safety measures around local water bodies to prevent further wildlife casualties.

A Growing Concern in Garhwa

Jharkhand’s Garhwa district has seen increased elephant activity, as herds traverse through villages and forested areas in search of food and water. The incident underscores the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in regions where elephants are regular visitors, raising concerns over the safe accessibility of water sources for animals without leading to unintentional harm.

The forest department plans to intensify monitoring efforts and collaborate with local communities to implement preventive measures, including securing dangerous zones near water bodies to ensure the safety of wildlife.

As authorities continue their investigation, this unfortunate incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of proactive wildlife management and community awareness in areas close to elephant habitats.