51 victims of elephant attacks receive compensation in Ctg

The Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division of the Forest Department distributed Tk26.72 lakh as compensation to 51 victims of elephant attacks at Anwara upazila in Chattogram today (23 January).

Among the victims, two lost their lives, six were injured, and 43 suffered crop and property damages.

The cheques were distributed during a formal programme in the conference room of Anwara Upazila Parishad in the morning.

Tahmina Akter, upazila nirbahi officer of Anwara, addressed the programme as the chief guest and handed over the cheques to the victims and their families.

Abu Naser Mohammad Yasin Newaz, divisional forest officer, chaired the programme and Dipannita Bhattacharjee, wildlife and biodiversity conservation officer, spoke at the event.

Tahmina Akter said, "Anwara upazila is one of the most vulnerable areas in Chattogram, where wild elephants from the hilly forests area descend into nearby localities, attacking residents and causing damage to crops and trees. Every year, hundreds of people from ten villages at Anwara and Karnaphuli upazilas fall victim to elephant attacks. The Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division of the Forest Department provides compensation to the victims as part of its wildlife conservation efforts. Although this may not fully compensate for their losses, the department tries its best to support the victims."

"It is impossible to compensate for the loss of human lives. However, damages to properties can be addressed," she added, urging locals to avoid going out at night or early in the morning to reduce the risk of casualties.

Abu Naser Mohammad Yasin Newaz said, "The government is doing its utmost to mitigate the conflict between humans and elephants in the area, aiming to reduce the loss of lives and property damage."

He also urged locals to cooperate with the 'Elephant Response Team' working in their locality to prevent casualties.