Sonitpur, Assam – October 2024 – An elephant calf tragically lost its life after falling into a drainage canal at the Dhendai Tea Estate, specifically in Line number nine under Rangapara Police Station.
The incident reportedly occurred late at night when a herd of wild elephants was moving through the area in search of food. During this time, the calf became separated from its herd and slipped into the estate’s drainage system, leading to its untimely death.
Tea garden workers discovered the calf’s body early this morning as they began their day’s work. They promptly alerted the estate authorities, who in turn informed the forest department. Officials are currently en route to the site to investigate the incident and address the situation.
This unfortunate event highlights the increasing risks wildlife face as they come into closer contact with human habitats. In Assam, such encounters are becoming more frequent, raising concerns about the safety of both animals and humans in regions where forests intersect with agricultural lands. The incident underscores the need for improved measures to protect wildlife and mitigate human-wildlife conflict.