By IANS
Ranchi : Mahouts in Jharkhand have hit upon an ingenious way to feed their elephants and also run their families – using the animals to extort money from vehicles on national highways.
Extortion by elephants has become a menace on highways connecting the Ranchi-Jamshedpur and Ranchi-Patna sectors. Let loose by their mahouts, around six elephants hold sway over the area.
“I was stopped by elephants near Bundu, around 70 km from Ranchi. I could get away only by paying Rs.50,” said Mahadeo Sen.
The gentle giants have been quick to learn the tricks of the trade. Whenever they see an approaching vehicle, the jumbos quickly lumber on to the middle of the road.
Most drivers cough up the money out of fear.
“Feeding and maintaining elephants is not an easy task. Vehicle owners willingly donate money and we never force anyone to pay,” Sundi Mahto, a mahout, said.
Sridhar, another mahout, said, “Please do not call it extortion. In lieu of the money, the jumbos ensure a vehicle owner’s safety on roads.” But he couldn’t explain how.
The mahouts put vermilion on the heads and trunks of elephants – to give the practice a religious tinge.
“We have trained these elephants to block the road whenever they see an approaching vehicle and seek money,” admitted a mahout.
“Till now, these elephants have not hurt anyone on the road. They do not harm vehicle owners who do not give money,” he said.
The mahouts argue the money earned is spent on the upkeep of the tuskers and rest is used for their family.
“It is indeed difficult to arrange food for elephants. By earning on national highways, we are able to feed them and meet family requirements,” said Sona Thakur, a mahout.
Elephants have been wreaking havoc in Jharkhand where their habitat has shrunk and their corridors have been disturbed by human activity. As a result, different herds of elephants on a regular basis venture into human habitations and destroy standing crops and houses and trample people to death.
In Jharkhand, more than 400 people have been trampled to death in the last six years. On the other hand, the elephant population has declined from 772 two years ago to 622, according to a census conducted in May this year.