Dhenkanal Elephant Death: NGT increases penalty on CESU to Rs 4 Cr

ONI Bureau:  Taking serious note of the death of seven elephants in Dhenkanal district in October, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday increased the penalty on Central Electricity Supply Utility (CESU) to Rs 4 crore.

The NGT asked CESU to deposit the fine amount with Odisha Forest Department for preparation of action plan to protect elephants.

It is to be noted that a herd of 7 wild elephants including a tusker died after coming in contact with 11KV live electric wire laid by the railway department temporarily for track construction work near Kamalanga village.

Earlier, one official was dismissed whereas six officials from CESU and Forest Department were suspended for dereliction of duty.