In a troubling development, two elephants have died within four days in Haridwar forest division, triggering heightened concern among forest officials and local communities. The second death was recorded just days after the first, deepening questions about wildlife safety in the region.
Our correspondent reports that the first elephant carcass was discovered on 26 September in the Khanpur range, Rasulpur beat, close to the border of forest and revenue land. The cause of death was unclear, prompting forest teams to send tissue and sample collection to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Bareilly for forensic analysis.
The second case was found on 29 September in the Shah Mansur Beat, where an elephant was found near fenced farmland. Initial observations suggest electrocution from an illegal electric fence as the cause of death. Forest authorities have registered a case against the landowner.
Our correspondent adds that water samples from surrounding sources and vegetation were also collected for laboratory testing to discern possible poisoning or contamination. In both cases, the bodies were handled with care to preserve evidence before transport for post-mortem examination.
Divisional Forest Officer Swapnil Anirudh confirmed the incidents, stating that while one death remains unexplained, the second shows signs of illegal fencing. He assured that inquiry committees have been formed and legal proceedings initiated where malpractice is evident.
Forest officials disclosed that in the Shah Mansur area, electric fencing constructed by villagers to protect crops has been observed. The department has now launched a campaign to remove such hazardous installations in danger zones, particularly along elephant migration pathways.
Local villagers reported hearing distress calls from the animals on the nights prior to discovery. Many are worried that continued retaliation measures or protective methods by farmers could endanger wildlife corridors. Some residents said they had repeatedly complained of crop damage by elephants but lacked effective mitigation measures.
Our correspondent reports that forest officials have increased deployment of guards and surveillance in sensitive areas. Patrols along elephant routes have been intensified to monitor movement and human interference.
The spate of deaths comes amid rising elephant movement in Haridwar’s fringes, as herds often migrate from the Rajaji Tiger Reserve into agricultural landscapes. Farmers cultivating sugarcane, paddy and other crops frequently come into conflict with elephants seeking forage.
Wildlife experts warned that such deaths not only affect elephant populations but can also inflame tension among local communities and erode faith in wildlife management. They urged for stricter enforcement of anti-electric fencing laws, installation of early warning systems, and community engagement in conflict mitigation.
Officials expect IVRI’s laboratory reports in the coming days to shed light on whether the first case involved poisoning or natural causes. Meanwhile, forest authorities have asked residents to avoid setting up electric barriers and to coordinate with forest staff for safe agricultural practices.
As investigations proceed, authorities face the dual challenge of preserving wildlife and addressing human-elephant conflict. The recent deaths in Haridwar serve as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between development and ecological conservation.
