MP Prakash Pathak Draws Govt Attention to Wild Elephant Menace in Jhapa-3

Kathmandu. National Independent Party MP Prakash Pathak has drawn the government's attention to scientifically manage the wild elephant menace in Jhapa-3. Speaking during the emergency time of the House of Representatives meeting, he stated that the lives of local residents have been affected by wild elephants that have entered in large numbers from India. He pointed out that herds of elephants have destroyed farmers' paddy crops, damaged houses, and increased the risk of attacks at any time. The elephants residing in the Jalthal forest have affected citizens from Haldibari's Satghare Adhikari Chowk, Ratmate to Deuniya. Pathak informed that farmers in Sundarpur, Tilbari, Salghari, and around Mujurmadi in Barhadashi are in a situation where they have to migrate, and there is a similar problem in Kachan Kalan and Bhadrapur. Mentioning that the measures used to control elephants have not been effective, Pathak said, 'Now, not monitoring and inspection, but result-oriented work should be done. It is the state's duty to prevent potential damage rather than expressing condolences and sympathy after damage.' Stating that the citizens living in pain are watching whether the state will look after them or not, Pathak said, 'I draw the government's attention through the Speaker to scientifically manage elephants, install high-capacity transformers in elephant-affected areas, and manage solar lights on the roads.' He stated that the presence of security mechanisms in the affected areas is weak, and due to weak electricity supply, there is not enough light in homes, and the risk is further increased due to the lack of streetlights on the roads. He demanded that attention be paid to preparedness and effective management as local residents are in a state of fear regarding the safety of children and the elderly due to elephants.