CONCERNS over elephant conservation in Raigarh district have deepened following the death of another elephant calf, reportedly due to drowning in the Mand river under the Kharsia Forest Range. The latest incident occurred, near Gurda village, where forest officials rushed to the spot after receiving information about the carcass. According to preliminary inputs received here, a herd of more than 50 elephants has been moving through the region over the past several days. Forest personnel suspect the calf was separated from the herd while crossing the river and drowned in the process. The exact cause of death, however, will be confirmed only after the completion of the post-mortem examination and departmental inquiry. The incident has once again drawn attention to the rising number of elephant calf deaths in the district. Available field records indicate that four elephant calves have reportedly died due to drowning incidents during May alone. With the latest casualty, the number of elephant calf deaths recorded in Raigarh district since January has risen to nine.

 

Wildlife observers and local residents have expressed concern over the recurring deaths, particularly among young elephants, and have called for a closer review of monitoring mechanisms in elephant movement corridors. The repeated incidents have also triggered questions regarding the effectiveness of existing measures aimed at protecting elephant herds traversing riverine and forested landscapes. Soon after receiving the alert, forest officials reached the site and initiated the prescribed investigation. Veterinary experts and field staff were engaged in the examination process, while efforts were also made to monitor the movement of the remaining herd in the vicinity. Officials are expected to assess the circumstances leading to the death and determine whether any additional preventive measures are required in identified elephant habitats and crossing routes. The latest incident adds to a series of elephant mortality cases reported from Raigarh district in recent months, underlining the growing challenges associated with managing large elephant populations in human-dominated and ecologically sensitive landscapes.