Guest guest Posted November 22, 2007 Report Share Posted November 22, 2007 Link: http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070033595 & ch=11/22/200\ 7%207:20:00%20AM *Deadly trap for elephants* Kishalay Bhattacharjee Thursday, November 22, 2007 (Meghalaya) In Meghalaya it isn't poachers that threaten the elephant population but the high-tension electric wires that have killed nearly 200 in the past four years. Four elephants were electrocuted in Meghalaya's Paham Umdoh village by high-tension wires hanging menacingly close to the ground. Villagers say they heard the animals crying for hours before they died. ''Due to the drooping cables even the villagers feel threatened. When we go to collect firewood, they will kill us one day,'' said D K Lyndoh, Headman, Paham Umdom Village. The animals killed included three females and a two-year-old male elephant. ''This is not the first time, because of gross negligence by the State Electricity Board this is happening,'' said T Mawkhlieng, Wildlife Patrol, Ri Bhoi. Electrocution today is the biggest elephant killer in India. In 2003, 52 tuskers were killed, the following year it went up to 54 and then 61. This year 33 elephants have died of electrocution- six of them died in Meghalaya's Garo Hills just last month. The guidelines for electric wires passing through sanctuaries and wildlife parks are quite clear. Stringent joint inspections by the forest and the electricity department are mandatory and there should be spikes on poles to keep animals off. With basic norms being ignored, the elephant deaths are a grim reminder of the blatant disregard for rules. -- Fight captive Jumbo abuse, end Elephant Polo http://www.stopelephantpolo.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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