NGT seeks reply from Centre over 'mysterious deaths' of 10 elephants in MP's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

A news report had stated that initial investigations indicated 'the cause of mysterious deaths' was Kodo millet contamination. The bench said the discovery of such contamination was concerning, as it posed a risk to wildlife and the livestock.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of the mysterious death of 10 elephants in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and sought responses from the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Wildlife Institute of India, and others.

The Principal Bench of the NGT, headed by its Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, pointed to a news report that said initial investigations indicated “the cause of mysterious deaths” was Kodo millet contamination, and that samples had been sent for further analysis to two labs: The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly and a forensic lab in Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar.

“The news item highlights that Kodo millet is a staple food in many parts of India, known for its high dietary fibre and mineral content. However, when contaminated with mycotoxins, it can be susceptible to fungal contamination, particularly during the monsoon season, when the crop is harvested in damp conditions, it can cause severe health issues in both humans and animals, including liver damage, kidney problems and gastrointestinal issues,” said the green bench order.

The bench said the discovery of such contamination was concerning, as it posed a risk to wildlife and the livestock.