|
|
|
| Sunday, 23 October 2005 |
 |
|
 |
News |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Elephant - human conflict by L. W. Gamini C. Kumara It seems that elephant-human conflict has already become a serious problem to some areas of Sri Lanka. Almost everyday we hear of deaths caused as a result of this conflict through mass media. Recent unfortunate demise of the OIC attached to Wariyapola Police station who was involved in an elephant drive and Ampara incident bear testimony to the fact that elephant-human conflict is on the increase in many parts, including north - western province. Wild elephants are entering the villages and roam at night, devastating houses and crops of the farmers. As a result, the lives of the residents are at risk. The important fact to be noted here is that Wild Life Department, even amidst the dearth of officials has made all-out attempt in order to remedy this situation to a certain extent, but to no avail. It's also a sad fact that a considerable number of persons have so far become victims to wild elephants. The conflict soon reverts to former state, as the devices made as preventive measures such as erecting electric fences are temporary. So, the problem still seems to remain the same as before. When inquired, what residents of the so-called areas where elephant-human problem is spiralling say is that it's no use talking to officials of the WLD and they complain that this is due to dereliction of duty as it rests with the authorities concerned to take action in this regard. In fact, today the elephants are animals threatened with extinction and the elephant population in the country seems to be steadily decreasing due to human activities. However, we also have to stress the fact that these animals need to be saved from extinction. Likewise, what is required here is to find a permanent solution to the problem of elephant-human conflict soon and the present situation calls for prompt action. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
