Elephant menace in Chhattisgarh: 48 killed

     Raipur, March 28, 2011: At least 48 people were killed by elephants in north of Chhattisgarh, the State Assembly was informed today.

     As many as 48 people were killed by the wild elephants in Sarguja, Jashpur, Korea and Raigarh district, replying to a question of Padma Ghanashyam Manhar Forest Minister Vikram Usendi said.

     Highest number of 25 deaths was reported from Sarguja district, including eight women between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010, he said.

     Similarly in 11 people, including one woman were killed in Jashpur district followed by ten people, including five women in various villages of Raigarh districts.

     Two deaths were reported from Korea district, including one woman, during that period, he said.

     During the said period elephants had damaged 1294 houses in Sarguja district, 599 in Korea, 474 houses in Raigarh and 466 in Jashpur district.

     Similarly 9481 cases of crop loss by elephants had been reported from Sarguja district, followed by 7307 cases in Jashpur, 5495 in Raigarh and 648 cases of crop loss were reported from Korea district.