What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
New Delhi: In a heart-wrenching incident, three sloth bears, including a mother and her two cubs, lost their lives after stepping on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxals in the forests of Bastar, Chhattisgarh. The deadly blast occurred in the Korasnar forest area under the Barsur police station which instantly killed the mother bear. Later on, the cubs succumbed to starvation shortly after, as they were unable to survive on their own.
Forest officials discovered the decomposed bodies of the bears and confirmed the IED explosion was the cause of death. The increasing use of IEDs in conflict zones has not only endangered human lives but has also begun to claim the lives of innocent wildlife.
This tragic incident underscores the broader issue of how Naxal activities are affecting forest ecosystems. More than 250 explosions have been reported in the Bastar region over the past 5 years, resulting in the deaths and injuries of countless humans and animals. Wildlife habitats overlap with conflict zones and the risks to animals increase exponentially.
ALSO READ: Project Cheetah 2.0 : Action plan for Gandhisagar Wildlife Sanctuary
The forest department is currently investigating the incident and has urged locals to exercise caution while traversing these areas. Conservationists and wildlife experts have condemned the incident, calling for stricter measures to ensure the safety of animals in the wild. They emphasize the need for enhanced security measures and better monitoring of conflict zones to protect both human and animal lives.
Forest and Climate Change Minister of Chhattisgarh, Kedar Nath Kashyap stated “My condolences to the innocent animals. Naxal violence is not only targeting the army personnel deployed for our security but also mute animals and civilians.” “This atrocity and injustice must end completely. I have full faith that our double engine government will create a Naxal-free Bastar” the minister said to The New Indian.
The tragic deaths of the sloth bears highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the impact of Naxal activities on wildlife. Conservationists are advocating for increased patrolling, the use of technology for monitoring, and community engagement to safeguard forest ecosystems. There is also a call for stricter enforcement of laws to prevent the planting of IEDs and other harmful activities in these sensitive areas.
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE | Tiger death near Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary sparks poaching concerns
Discovered in the Kohkabeda area under Barsoor police jurisdiction days after the explosion, vigilant villagers reported the gruesome scene. This disturbing event adds to the series of threats posed by Naxalite-planted IEDs, causing locals and forest officials to tread cautiously amid fears of further detonations.
This incident mirrors a recent tragedy where villager Manaru Akali lost his life to a pressure IED blast while collecting wood. The Maoist presence in the Bastar region, notorious for such insurgent activities, continues to jeopardize the safety of both humans and wildlife. The loss of the sloth bears in Bastar is a stark reminder of the collateral damage caused by conflict.
