Elephant zone turns conflict hotspot near Jamshedpur

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur: The forested Saparum belt along the Subernarekha river—covering nearly 75% woodland—has long served as a refuge for migratory herds from the Dalma range. Elephants frequently camp here in search of food and water, making it a highly sensitive wildlife corridor.
The issue has come under sharp scrutiny following the recent death of Radhanath Tantubai, who reportedly lost his life during an encounter with a wild elephant in the Saparum forest under Kukdu block. The incident has reignited concerns over human interference in core elephant habitats.
Local residents and environmental observers are questioning whether illegal sand stockpiling inside forest areas, along with sand extraction from the river, has aggravated the situation. They argue that such unchecked activities may be directly contributing to rising human-elephant conflict in the region.
Serious objections have also been raised over the issuance of ‘zero-distance’ No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for non-forestry activities in elephant-dominated zones. Critics point out that regulations mandate a minimum 250-metre buffer from forest boundaries, and granting approvals at virtually zero distance could amount to a violation of wildlife protection norms.
Experts warn that continuous encroachment, commercial operations, and habitat disruption are forcing elephants to stray into human settlements. Shrinking access to food and water, coupled with increasing human presence, is intensifying encounters and turning them more dangerous.
Residents have demanded accountability, urging authorities to investigate officials who approved such clearances in ecologically fragile zones. They have also appealed to the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department to strictly enforce Dalma Eco-Sensitive Zone regulations, warning that failure to act could lead to more severe consequences in the future.