BHUBANESWAR: TO contain the growing menace of wild elephants straying into human habitations in the State, the Wildlife Wing of State Government is now seeking ‘kunkis’ in Assam.
A two-member team of the Wildlife Wing is currently in Assam looking for the trained elephants, known as ‘kunki’, given their availability in the North Eastern state.
There are about 1,500 elephants available with private owners in Assam which employs them at different conservation and public utility services, unlike in north India where elephants are used for alms collection.
The two-member team headed by Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) PK Mohan has been asked to consult the Chief Wildlife Warden of Assam in selection of the ‘kunkis’. After the jumbos are zeroed in, a team of veterinarians will screen them.
At present, Wildlife Wing plans to select two ‘kunkis’ and only after judging their effectiveness, more could be sought.
Since elephant trading is banned, the ‘kunki’ would be secured on a contract basis. Each elephant is available in a price range of Rs 80,000 to 1 lakh. In fact, the mahout is also part of the package since they play a major role in the anti-depredation activities.
Lately, the State has been witnessing a rise in man-elephant conflict. In Dhenkanal, a wild elephant has been on the rampage for last five years during which it has killed over 10 persons. Angry locals had blocked National Highway for over three days prompting the wildlife officials to send at least two teams to capture the jumbo but in vain. Similarly, in Keonjhar, another such elephant ran amuck for weeks together.
Though the State has used services of elephants at sanctuaries at different times, ‘kunkis’ have not been engaged yet.
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