Question : ELEPHANT PROJECTS



(a) whether the Government are aware of 18 days` torture to a captured elephant in Chhattisgarh region during recent past;

(b) if so, the details and the facts thereof; and

(c) the action taken to avoid recurrence of such incidents in future?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI DILIP SINGH JU DEV)

(a), (b) & (c) The Central Government is aware of the recent reports in the newspapers regarding the death of a wild elephant which was captured by the Chattisgarh Forest Department on 6th February 2002 and which subsequently died on 24th February during training on account of alleged torture. The Central Government has constituted a Committee of Experts to inquire into the matter and suggest steps to be taken to avoid occurrence of incidents which may lead to the death of an elephant on account of torture.