Jhapa, July 27 – Two women from Damak Municipality-1, Bargachhi, were seriously injured after being attacked by a wild elephant early Thursday morning while out on a routine morning walk. The incident highlights growing tensions between human settlements and wildlife in Nepal’s eastern lowlands.
According to the District Police Office, the victims have been identified as Kavita Rai (42) and Sunita Rai (47). The two women were walking near their home when a wild elephant suddenly emerged from the nearby forest. The elephant reportedly used its trunk to lift and hurl them to the ground, causing multiple injuries.
Both women suffered trauma to the head, limbs, and other parts of the body. They were immediately rushed to Damak Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Hospital sources have reported that Sunita Rai’s condition remains critical.
Following the attack, the elephant returned to the forest. Authorities have confirmed that more than a dozen wild elephants are known to inhabit the forests around Jalthal, Nichajhoda, and adjacent community-managed areas. These elephants often roam into nearby settlements in search of food, especially during monsoon and harvest seasons.
🐘 Pattern of Conflict: A Growing Concern
Local communities in Jhapa continue to face increasing risks from wild elephants, especially those living near forest edges. Incidents are commonly reported when people venture into the forest to collect firewood, fodder, or wild vegetables such as Niguro and mushrooms. Morning walks along the forest periphery have also become perilous.
According to data from the Division Forest Office, Jhapa, wild elephant attacks claimed six lives in the district during the fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25). Additionally, seven individuals were injured, and four elephants were found dead, suggesting rising human-wildlife conflict on both sides.
Forest Office Chief Bharat Babu Shrestha acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for community awareness and mitigation measures. “These incidents point to deeper ecological issues. As forest cover shrinks and human encroachment increases, elephants are losing their natural habitats and are being forced into dangerous proximity with people,” he said.
🛑 What Needs to Be Done?
Conservationists and community leaders alike are calling for urgent implementation of coexistence strategies, such as:
Installing early warning systems and elephant corridors,
Educating local communities on safe behaviors during forest activities,
Strengthening cooperation between the Division Forest Office, local governments, and community forest user groups,
Supporting families affected by such conflicts through proper compensation and medical aid.
As Nepal balances conservation goals with growing human development, the incident in Damak is yet another stark reminder that without proactive and humane solutions, both humans and wildlife will continue to suffer.
