Elephant survey starts

TT, Jalpaiguri, Oct. 23: Forest officers said a survey had started last week to ascertain the number of elephants in the state through indirect sighting.

N.S. Murali, the chief conservator of forests (wildlife, north Bengal), said: "A nationwide census of wild elephants will be conducted in March next year. Before that, we have taken up the task of making a rough estimation of the number of elephants in Bengal. This would be done through indirect sighting - that is by examining dung. Our staff members will make estimations every 20 days."

In north Bengal, the last elephant census was carried out two years ago and it revealed that the region had over 600 jumbos.

The survey would be conducted in Gorumara, Jaldapara, Chapramari, Mahananda and parts of Neora Valley, Buxa Tiger Reserve and Baikunthapur forest in north Bengal, along with some fringe areas.

Similar surveys would be conducted in south Bengal also.

"We will try to find the location and details of each herd," Sumita Ghatak, the conservator of forests (wildlife, north Bengal), said. "The data would help us carry out the census in a smooth manner."

AK-47 probe

The CID has taken up the investigation into the seizure of an AK-47 rifle, live cartridges and a rhino horn from four suspected poachers on Tuesday. The arrested persons have been remanded in police custody for 10 days. Police have confirmed that the AK-47 was brought from Assam.