Committee to look into Orissa reserve elephant deaths

NEW DELHI - A three-member committee has been formed to look into the deaths of elephants in Orissa’s Simlipal Tiger Reserve, the ministry of environment and forests said Wednesday.

Orissa’s chief wildlife warden has submitted a report to the ministry - confirming the death of six elephants, four of which have taken place in the core area. The deaths have reportedly taken place due to electrocution.

The three-member committee will look into the causes of the death as well as examine the status of protection system available in the power cables passing through the forest area.

“The committee shall suggest improvements in the electrical system/protection system so as to prevent the electrocution of elephants and other wildlife in the area,” a press release by the ministry said.

The three-member committee includes two retired officials of the National Aluminium Company Limited and a senior state government forest official.