Two days after the local administration decided to kill Dhrube, who has reportedly killed seven people in less than three months, a team of Nepal Army (NA) personnel has reached Sukebhara area of Chitwan National Park (CNP). [break]
The team, accompanied by some CNP technicians, has used a truck and several domesticated elephants to track down Dhrube. According to Bishnu Thapaliya, a CNP ranger, the team reached Sukebhara area on the basis of information sent by a radio device fitted on Dhrube.
Dhrube in file photo
Conservation experts say activities related to ´Operation Dhrube´ may frighten dangerous wild animals like tigers and rhinos. "Gunshots intended to kill Dhrube could frighten wild animals out of their natural habitats," said Ramprit Yadav, former CNP warden. "The frightened animals can enter human settlements, posing serious threats to the locals."
The hunt for Dhrube in Sukebhara is risky also because this area is a hotbed of endangered species. "A single bullet is not sufficient to kill Dhrube," said Yadav. "The NA men need to fire several bullets which will definitely frighten tigers and rhinos."
In Sukebhara area, which is rich with grasslands and thick forest, the CNP has prevented vehicles, which are used by tourists for jungle safari, from honking horns to ensure that wild animals do not get disturbed. However, under the pretext of killing Dhrube, CNP has allowed gun-toting NA men to parade indiscriminately in the conservation-sensitive area.
Jhamak Karki, the CNP warden, tries to play down the negative impacts of the ´inappropriate´ hunt for Dhrube. "Many are riding elephants; only some people are in the truck," said Karki. "So, the hunt will not have adverse impact on other endangered species."
Bote couple cremated
The family of the deceased Bote couple, who had died in tusker´s attack on Saturday evening, has finally cremated the bodies Thursday. They had refused to expedite finals rites for the trampled couple, demanding immediate killing of Dhurbe, the killer tusker, along with an additional Rs 1 million compensation for each person killed.
As per an agreement, the victim families in the first phase will receive Rs 3,000,00 in compensation and the remaining amount will be distributed after consulting with the ministry.
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