Multiple jumbo deaths in Odisha: CM Naveen expresses concern

Bhubaneswar: The Forest and Environment department and the Animal Resources department were directed to take steps to check further elephant deaths in Karlapat sanctuary in Kalahandi district.

During a review meeting through video conferencing today here, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed concern over the six elephant deaths in two weeks in the sanctuary. The two departments were asked to consult experts both from the State and outside over the matter.

Patnaik also directed the district administration and DFO to ensure vaccination of cattle in the villages close to the sanctuary. All the water bodies in the sanctuary should be disinfected and water samples should be sent to labs for test, the Chief Minister asked the authorities.

Experts said the elephants died in the sanctuary due to Hemorrhagic Septicemia after getting infected with the Pasteurella Multocida.

Forest Department sources said out of eight elephants of a herd in the sanctuary, six have already died due to the Hemorrhagic Septicemia.

The sources further stated measures have been taken to track the remaining two elephants of the herd and ensure that they do not get infected. A total of 10 teams of the Forest personnel has been formed to keep a track on the movement of the elephants.

Also, the IG of the Project Elephant and the Director of Wildlife Institute of India have been requested to send a team to vaccinate the jumbos and suggest measures.

Out of 43 water bodies in the sanctuary, 25 have been disinfected so far. Work is on to disinfect the remaining water bodies.

Among others, the Development Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest and Environment Department, 5T Secretary and other senior officials were present in the meeting.