Haridwar – Wildlife safety concerns have deepened in Haridwar Forest Division after the death of a third elephant within just one week. The latest incident was reported on Wednesday evening in the Pili Padav Panchayati Forest of Laldhang area, where a 30-year-old tuskless male elephant (makhna) was found dead. The matter came to light when village head Shashi Jhandwal informed Mahesh Sharma, Forest Range Officer of Shyampur Range, who then alerted senior officials.
Earlier, on September 26, an elephant carcass was discovered near Bandarjood in Khanpur Range, followed by another on September 30 in a field along the Bugawala–Roshanabad route. Initial investigations suggested that some elephants died due to electrocution from live wires allegedly placed by farmers in their fields to protect crops.
The Forest Department has filed cases against two individuals linked to these incidents, though they were later released on bail. Officials stated that strict action will be taken once conclusive evidence is established. In the latest case, a post-mortem was conducted on the elephant, and preliminary findings hinted at stomach-related ailments as a possible cause of death. The carcass has since been buried.
To prevent further incidents, electricity department teams have joined forest officials in removing hazardous wires from affected areas. Farmers have been warned against laying live currents in their fields. Meanwhile, the department has stepped up 24-hour patrolling across sensitive zones to safeguard elephants and other wildlife.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Swapnil emphasized that the series of deaths underscores the urgent need for coordination between farmers and wildlife authorities. He assured that all necessary measures are being put in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.
