The District Forest Office reports that four elephants were found dead in various parts of Jhapa district over the last fiscal year, marking the highest number of elephant deaths in the past 14 years. This brings the total number of elephant deaths to 21 from fiscal year 2067-68 BS (2010-11) to 2080-81 BS (2023-24), with typically one to two elephants dying annually, except for a peak of three deaths in fiscal year 2075-76 BS (2018-19).
The discovery of carcasses with their tusks removed suggests a worrying rise in elephant poaching in the district. In addition to the elephant deaths, six people were killed in elephant attacks in Jhapa over the past year, bringing the total human casualties to 60 over the past 14 years.
Elephant attacks in Jhapa have become increasingly common, causing injuries, demolishing houses, and damaging food supplies. Last fiscal year, families of those killed in elephant attacks received Rs one million in compensation per victim, while the authorities paid out Rs three million for other losses.
Meghraj Rai, the Office Chief, noted that while there is a provision for Rs 200,000 compensation for injuries caused by elephants, the actual treatment costs are significantly higher. Jhapa is considered the most affected district by elephant-related incidents, accounting for 11 percent of the total relief compensation for elephant attacks distributed across Nepal.
