Bhopal 16 November (IANS). Farmers are in trouble after the death of elephants in Bandhavgarh National Park located in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. The reason for this is the discovery of fungus in Kodo. Now the traders are not ready to buy the crops of the farmers and whatever they are buying is at a very low price.
Let it be known that recently 10 elephants had died in Bandhavgarh National Park. After the death of the elephants, it has been revealed that there was fungus in the trunks and due to that the elephants died. It is alleged that after this the Forest Department has destroyed the Kodo crop of many fields. This has been done so that no other wild animal consumes it.
Many farmers in the area where the elephants died had grown Kodo-Kutki, also known as millets, to earn good income. Now this has become a problem for them. According to the farmers, on one hand the forest department has destroyed the crop and they have not received compensation, while on the other hand the traders are not ready to buy the crop that is left. Whatever traders are buying, they are ready to buy the crop at a very low price.
On the other hand, the National Green Tribunal has taken cognizance of the death of elephants. NGT says that the detection of mysotoxin in Kodo crop is worrying. In this matter, NGT has issued notice to PCCF of Forest Department, Chief Wildlife Warden, Collector of Umaria, Director of Wildlife Institute of India and Veterinary Research Institute Bareilly and Secretary of Union Agriculture Ministry. The next hearing in this case will be on December 12 and the concerned will have to file their reply a week before that.
The activities of elephants are continuously increasing in Umaria and other districts located on the border of Chhattisgarh and the state government is also worried about this. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has also taken initiative in this direction and he is in touch with the Chhattisgarh government. After the Bandhavgarh accident, two forest department officials have also been suspended.
–IANS
SNP/CBT
