NGT issues notice to Madhya Pradesh, Centre on Bandhavgarh elephant deaths

In its order, the tribunal said that the matter relates to the mysterious deaths of 10 elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and that initial investigations have linked the deaths to contamination due to Kodo millets. It noted that samples have been sent for analysis to IVRI, Uttar Pradesh and a forensic lab in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh.

Taking note of media reports, the order noted, “The news item highlights that Kodo millet is a staple food in many parts of India, known for its high dietary fibre and mineral content. However, when contaminated with mycotoxins, it can be susceptible to fungal contamination, particularly during the monsoon season, when the crop is harvested in damp conditions.”

Furthermore, the order noted, “It is alleged that it is likely the elephants at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve had consumed contaminated Kodo millet or its byproducts, resulting in poisoning. The mycotoxins produced by the fungal infestation would have caused severe health issues, leading to the elephants’ deaths. The discovery of such contamination is concerning, as it poses a risk to both wildlife and livestock that may come into contact with the crop… The above matter indicates a violation of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.”

The order said there are “substantial issues relating to compliance of the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment”.

The notice and directions were issued to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Madhya Pradesh), Chief Wildlife Warden (Madhya Pradesh), Umaria District Magistrate, director of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), director of the Wildlife Institute of India and secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.

The patrolling staff at Bandhavgarh National Park and Tiger Reserve had initially found four elephants dead in the Salakhaniya beat of Khitauli and Pataur core ranges on October 29. Later, six more elephants were found in a critical state and eventually the toll mounted to 10.

The Union Environment Ministry initiated an inquiry into the matter earlier this month and it is being led by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau. This probe is independent of the state government’s probe which concluded that mycotoxins were the likely cause of the elephant mortality. The Indian Express had reported on November 6 that the toxicology report prepared by IVRI had concluded that there was the presence of cyclopiazonic acid in the tested samples, indicating fungal infection on the kodo millets consumed by the elephants.