Cuttack: The Orissa High Court today expressed grave concern over the Joint Task Force’s (JTF’s) report on the death of elephants in the state.
A total of 18 elephants have died in the last two months. Out of these four had died of electrocution.
Similarly, eight persons have been killed in elephant attacks in the state in the last two months.
The High Court directed to making alternative arrangements for electricity supply inside forested areas within the next two months. The court suggested for use of solar power.
The court ordered the CEOs of the four power discoms in the state to hold a meeting within a week to prevent the death of elephants in the state. The court asked the JTF to chair the meeting. The meeting has to set definite timelines for various measures to be taken to prevent elephant deaths.
The court directed the JTF chairperson to apprise the court of the action plan drawn and the progress made thereof through an affidavit.
