The tragic discovery of three wild elephants killed by poachers in the Panbari Range of Manas National Park sent shockwaves through Assam. Pramod Boro, the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), has strongly condemned the incident and vowed to take stringent action against the perpetrators.
Boro expressed his deep shock and outrage over the brutal killing of the elephants, emphasizing the importance of preserving Assam’s rich wildlife heritage. The incident has reignited concerns about the rising threat of poaching in the region, especially in protected areas like Manas National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Addressing the media, Boro conveyed his commitment to ensuring that those responsible for this horrific act are brought to justice. “The elephant population in Manas is already under threat due to various factors, and such incidents further jeopardize their survival,” Boro stated. “We will work with the forest department and law enforcement agencies to ensure that strict measures are taken against wildlife poaching.”
The poaching incident is part of a broader issue in Assam, where wildlife conservation efforts have been continuously challenged by illegal activities like poaching and habitat destruction. In recent years, Assam has witnessed the tragic deaths of several elephants due to poaching, largely driven by the demand for ivory and other body parts.
Experts believe that the killings in Manas National Park were part of a well-organized poaching syndicate that has been active in the region. Local authorities are now focusing on increasing patrols in and around the park, especially in the Panbari Range, which has been identified as a hotspot for illegal activities. The forest department has also been working on increasing surveillance through camera traps and drones to monitor wildlife and deter poachers.
Boro’s strong condemnation has drawn support from various environmental groups and wildlife activists. They have praised his efforts to address the growing problem of poaching in the region and stressed the need for a multi-pronged approach to tackle the issue. “While the government’s condemnation is a positive step, we need more concerted efforts to address the root causes of poaching,” said a local wildlife activist. “Stronger enforcement of laws, public awareness campaigns, and community involvement in conservation are essential for protecting our wildlife.”
The Manas National Park, which spans across both Assam and Bhutan, is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses, and various species of birds. It has been recognized globally for its biodiversity and is a crucial site for the conservation of several endangered species. However, the park has faced significant challenges, including poaching, encroachment, and human-wildlife conflict.
Following the poaching incident, forest officials in Assam have ramped up efforts to track down the poachers and bring them to justice. Authorities have appealed to the public to report any suspicious activities in and around wildlife habitats, emphasizing the importance of community support in wildlife conservation.
The state government has also pledged to take more robust actions to safeguard wildlife in Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has reiterated his commitment to wildlife conservation and has called for greater vigilance and cooperation between the state and local communities. “The poaching of elephants is not only a loss to our natural heritage but also a blow to our collective responsibility to protect wildlife,” CM Sarma stated.
Meanwhile, Boro has also emphasized the role of the Bodoland Territorial Council in strengthening wildlife protection initiatives within the BTC region. He has assured that the BTC will continue to work closely with the Assam forest department to enhance the safety and security of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and other endangered species.
The poaching of three elephants in Manas National Park serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing battle to protect Assam’s rich wildlife. As the authorities intensify their efforts to apprehend the poachers, the incident underscores the urgent need for increased investment in conservation programs, stronger law enforcement, and greater awareness about the importance of preserving Assam’s unique natural heritage for future generations.
The authorities have called for public cooperation to ensure that such tragic incidents are not repeated, emphasizing that the preservation of wildlife is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all sections of society.
