A distressing incident unfolded near the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) as forest officials discovered the remains of a female wild elephant in the Numaligarh Refinery Limited’s (NRL) Township on July 19, 2024. This discovery has incited outrage among conservationists, who accuse certain refinery officials of attempting to conceal the incident.

According to NRL’s spokesperson, the elephant met its untimely end on the morning of July 18 within the Butterfly Park situated in the NRL Township. The officer explained that elephants often wander into the township due to its proximity to their habitat adjacent to the NRL campus. It appears the elephant tragically collided with an exposed electrical wire, leading to its electrocution. In an effort to avoid consequences, some personnel hastily buried the elephant’s remains. However, upon learning of the incident, NRL management promptly alerted forest officials, recognizing the potential legal implications under wildlife protection laws.

The Golaghat divisional forest officer confirmed that they were informed of the incident late on July 18. Due to the darkness, the recovery of the elephant’s body was delayed until the morning of July 19. Describing the incident as a wildlife crime, the forest officer emphasized that burying the elephant without informing the authorities constitutes a serious offense under existing regulations. A thorough investigation is underway, with the post-mortem examination expected to provide crucial insights into the exact cause of the elephant’s demise.

Environmental activists and local journalists have condemned the incident, demanding accountability and justice for those responsible for the elephant’s clandestine burial. Highlighting the legal protections afforded to elephants under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, activists underscored the severity of the incident, which occurred in an area regularly frequented by elephants due to the negligent placement of NRL’s electrical infrastructure.

NRL Township, located just 20 kilometers from Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve (KNPTR), has been at the center of controversy due to ongoing conflicts between unsustainable development and wildlife conservation efforts. The township’s expansion plans, including a golf course and construction activities, have encroached upon vital elephant habitats, leading to confrontations between authorities, environmentalists, and local communities.

Legal battles over NRL’s construction activities in the Deopahar Elephant Corridor, a critical wildlife passage connecting to KNPTR, have been contentious. In response to environmental concerns, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued directives for the removal of a wall constructed by NRL and mandated compensatory afforestation to mitigate environmental damage. Despite court orders, challenges persist regarding full compliance with these directives, as noted by wildlife activists.

As investigations into the elephant’s death continue, Assam continues to grapple with escalating cases of human-elephant conflict, resulting in fatalities and property damage. Government data revealed alarming statistics, citing an average of 80 elephant and 70 human deaths annually due to these interactions in the state. The findings highlight the urgent need for sustainable coexistence strategies and heightened vigilance in managing wildlife corridors and habitats.

Meanwhile, NRL officials have assured cooperation with the ongoing inquiry and expressed their commitment to addressing the incident transparently. The refinery’s spokesperson emphasized NRL’s dedication to environmental stewardship and reiterated their cooperation with authorities to ensure compliance with wildlife protection laws.

As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are hopeful that justice will be served for the deceased elephant and that measures will be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident has reignited calls for stronger conservation efforts and responsible urban planning to safeguard vulnerable wildlife populations across Assam.