Biratnagar: A surge in human-elephant conflict has resulted in the tragic deaths of 10 people in Koshi Province during the last fiscal year. According to the Provincial Police Office, 25 others were injured in these attacks.
Jhapa district was identified as the hotspot for elephant-related incidents, with six fatalities reported. Morang and Sunsari districts recorded three and one deaths, respectively.
A particularly devastating incident occurred last October when a herd of over 35 elephants entered Jhapa’s Mechinagar Municipality-4, causing widespread damage to property.
In addition to the human toll, five elephants also lost their lives during the same period, with four deaths reported in Jhapa and one in Morang.
To mitigate the impact of these attacks, the government has instituted a compensation scheme of Rs. 10 Lakhs for families who lose loved ones. The Division Forest Office in Jhapa provides medical aid ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 100,000 to the injured.