Rising human-elephant conflicts claim 72 lives in Jhapa over 15 years – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, JUNE 27

A total of 72 people, including seven foreigners, have lost their lives in elephant attacks in Jhapa district over the past 15 years, according to the Division Forest Office.

Dr Suman Bhul of the office said 92 people have also been injured in such incidents. In the past year alone, five people died and six others sustained injuries due to elephant attacks. On average, five fatalities are recorded annually in human-elephant conflicts in the district.

To mitigate these conflicts, authorities have implemented measures such as electric fencing, creation of ponds, and plantation of fruit-bearing trees. However, experts warn that these efforts alone are insufficient.

“E-fencing is not enough. There must be ecological reforms within the forest itself,” said Dr Lilanath Sharma of Forest Action Nepal.

The situation has also taken a toll on elephants. Since 2006, 25 elephants have died in the district, with a recent rise in fatalities. Four elephants have died so far in the current fiscal year, matching last year’s total, mostly due to human-wildlife conflict.

The government has disbursed over Rs 96.8 million in relief to victims of elephant attacks. Families of the deceased receive Rs 1 million, while the injured are eligible for compensation of up to Rs 200,000, according to Dr Bhul.

(With inputs from RSS)