Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has appointed Subharanjan Sen as the new Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), a move that comes in the wake of a shocking incident involving the deaths of 10 elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR). This high-profile appointment sees Sen replacing V.K.N. Ambade, who held the position for just three months.
Leadership Shuffle in Forest Department
Ambade has been reassigned as the Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation (MPSFDC), a decision reportedly influenced by the state government’s dissatisfaction with his handling of the elephant deaths. Sources within the forest department claim that Ambade’s tenure was under scrutiny after the tragic loss of wildlife brought national attention to Bandhavgarh.
The deaths, which occurred in late October, were initially attributed to poisoning but were later linked to the presence of the neurotoxin cyclopiazonic acid in the elephants’ intestines.
Details of the Elephant Deaths
Between October 29 and 31, 10 wild elephants were discovered dead in the Khalil Range of BTR, spread across Sankhani and Bakeli areas. The sequential deaths – four on October 29, another four on October 30, and two more on October 31 – sent shockwaves through the forest department. Preliminary suspicions pointed to poisoning, but subsequent laboratory tests ruled out malicious intent, identifying the neurotoxin as the cause.
The incident sparked a high-level investigation and prompted Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to take swift action. Two senior officers, BTR Director Gaurav Chaudhary and Assistant Forest Conservator-in-Charge Fateh Singh Ninama, were suspended for negligence following the submission of the inquiry report.
Subharanjan Sen to Take Charge Amid Challenges
Subharanjan Sen, in a statement to PTI-Bhasha, confirmed that he is set to assume his new role on Friday. His appointment comes with the urgent task of rebuilding confidence in the forest department’s management practices and addressing concerns over wildlife safety in the state’s reserves.
The Madhya Pradesh government’s decision underscores the seriousness of the situation, as the deaths not only raised questions about forest management but also threatened the state’s reputation for wildlife conservation. Sen’s leadership will be crucial in restoring accountability and implementing measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
