Assam: Aaranyak expresses concern over ‘illegal’ disposal of elephant carcass inside NRL campus

GUWAHATI-  Aaranyak, a member of the State Board of Wildlife, expressed deep concern and Call for legal action against alleged Illegal disposal of a elephant carcass inside NRL campus without any intimation to Forest Department

Ina press statement, Aaranyak stated that “we would like to express our deep concern and outrage regarding the recent incident involving the death of a female wild elephant inside the Numaligarh Oil Refinery campus in Golaghat district of Assam.

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This tragic event, which occurred on July 18, 2024, is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats faced by elephants in their natural habitat, particularly in the Golaghat district, which is part of a critical elephant corridor.

Reports indicate that the elephant died due to suspected electrocution after coming into contact with an exposed power cable within the Butterfly Park adjacent to the refinery. What is even more shocking is the refinery authorities buried the elephant without notifying the forest department, in gross  violation of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as amended in 2022.

Elephants that are classified as Schedule I animals under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment  Act 2022, and recognized as endangered species, besides the  National Heritage Animal in the country,  deserve  the highest level of protection and respect. This incident raises serious questions about the operational protocols of the Numaligarh Refinery Limited, its intention and commitment towards welfare of wildlife.

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The illegal disposal of the elephant’s carcass not only undermines the legal framework designed to protect endangered species but also reflects a concerning disregard for the ecological integrity of the region. We, call upon the authorities to take immediate action to address this situation.

We urge for an immediate filing of a complaint case against the Numaligarh Refinery Limited for violation of Section 39 and Section 9 of Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act 2022. At the same time a thorough investigation be instituted into the circumstances surrounding the elephant’s death and the illegal burial to gather needed evidences related to complaint case.

The Forest Department needs to ensure accountability for those responsible so as to deter such violations in future . It is essential to implement stricter safety measures to protect wildlife, particularly in Numaligarh Refinery campus.

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We also advocate for collaboration with local civil society organizations to develop strategies that prioritize wildlife protection and habitat preservation. Additionally, initiating awareness campaigns is crucial to educate worker and authorities of industries about the importance of wildlife conservation and their legal responsibilities in sensitive ecological zones.

As stewards of the environment and wildlife, it is our collective responsibility to ensure the protection of endangered species like elephants, enlisted in Schedule-1 of Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022. We hope that this incident serves as a catalyst for change and reinforces the need for sustainable practices that respect both industrial development and wildlife conservation.