Elephant attacks have resulted in the tragic loss of ten lives and injuries to 25 others in Koshi Province during the last fiscal year 2023/24, according to the Province Police Office in Biratnagar.
The fatalities occurred in the districts of Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari. Bhim Bahadur Dahal, Spokesperson at the Province Police Office, reported that six people from Jhapa, three from Sunsari, and one from Morang lost their lives due to these attacks. In addition, five elephants also died during this period.
A particularly devastating incident occurred in November last year when a herd of more than 35 elephants caused significant loss of lives and property. Four elephants died in Jhapa and one in Morang during the last fiscal year.
The incidents of injuries were widespread across several districts. Fourteen people were injured in Jhapa, one in Ilam, three in Morang, five in Sunsari, and two in Udaypur.
The government has been providing compensation to the affected families. The families of those killed in elephant attacks receive one million rupees each. Additionally, the Division Forest Office in Jhapa offers financial assistance ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 100,000 to the injured for their treatment.
The rise in human-elephant conflicts highlights the urgent need for effective measures to protect both the local communities and the wildlife in Koshi Province.
