16 May 2019


The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has reiterated that the Central Electric Supply Utility (CESU) of Odisha pay Rs 4-crore as penalty in connection with the death of 7 elephants near Kamalanga village in Dhenkanal in October.

Suo moto proceeedings were initiated in this matter on the basis of a news item dated Oct 28, 2018 that said that seven elephants were electrocuted after coming in contact with a live wire hanging dangerously low near Kamalanga village in Odisha’s Dhenkanal forest division. Out of seven elephants, five were female elephants. According to the Forest Department, electrocution occurred on account of negligence of CESU. Immediately after the incident. The NGT had imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on CESU and in December last slapped an additional Rs 4 crore. The NGT has ordered CESU to deposit the amount with the Forest and Environment Department and the amount was to be utlilised by the Odisha government to prepare an action plan to protect the jumbos.

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