There are moments when cynicism informs all judgements about scribes. This is especially in evidence when the media writes about the battle between poor nature and destructive humans.
Written By DN Singh|Last Updated: Feb 21, 2009, 09:04 AM IST|Source: Exclusive
There are moments when cynicism informs all judgements about scribes. This is especially in evidence when the media writes about the battle between poor nature and destructive humans. I should therefore be forgiven by those who think that I am being foolish for pleading more for animals in distress than human beings. I do so because there is a limit to how far anybody can remain a patient bystander while nature is ravaged.
<br><br>
In Orissa, where the population of wild elephants is rapidly going down, the situation is pathetic. Recently, the Centre made an allocation of about Rs 58 crores for the improvement of elephant habitats in the state, with a special emphasis on the restoration of elephant corridors which have been virtually non-existent since the last two decades.
<br><br>
During the last five years Orissa has lost 280 wild elephants. Most of them have become victims of poaching and electrocution. While 231 human have lost their lives. These figures are the outcome of rapid and unholistic urbanization carried out by the people in power. It may be asked as why the media is so active over the issue of elephants. It is a question of common sense.
<br><br>
One can’t see even a single vulture in the skies of Orissa nor do we hear the chirping of the sparrows anymore. The sight of mynas has become rare and 90% of foxes in the state have vanished due to indiscriminate poaching by rapacious elements trading in animal hides for taxidermists. So the fate of the pachyderms on the run can well be imagined.
<br><br>
The CAG report this year has spared no words in reprimanding the state government for its gross underutilization of the funds earmarked for conservation of wild elephants. It takes the government to task for laying emphasis only on paying compensation to victims of man – elephant conflict.
<br><br>
The report, in an apparent swipe at the forest authorities, pointed out that on an average 56 wild elephants are being killed every year in Orissa. The report has rubbished the claim of the government that the elephant population in Orissa is on the rise. Out of the Rs 6.68 crore given for conservation in last 5 years, 47% i.e Rs.3.12 cr has been spent on compensation and the rest of the money has remained unspent. The report, identifying mindless urbanization, mining activities and industrialization as the main causes behind depletion of elephant population, has observed that it is the duty of the people in power to save the species.
<br><br>
Be it the sanctuaries or in normal elephant habitats, the situation today threatens to impair the security of the pachyderms as much as other scheduled species. For instance, officially hired modernisers have allowed people to ascend along the rugged precipices of Chandka forest, which is an elephant sanctuary, like ants to set up housing complexes. There is widespread discord in the forest department and the Chief Minister who is also in charge of the forest department, unconscious of the barricades created by his squad of civil servants, seems to have consigned the animals like moths to the flame.
<br><br>
The disarming sincerity with which the Chief Minister always mouths homilies in favour of the wildlife species is no compensation for the rot at the bottom.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.