Forest Minister B Ramanath Rai has said that eight elephants died due to water contamination in Bandipur National Park between February and May.
Replying to Sandesh Nagaraj in the Council on Wednesday, he said the department constructed check-dams and small tanks inside forests to ensure water to wild animals. In summer, silt was removed from natural ponds and water was filled. “However, no elephant died due to water contamination in Cauvery and BRT Sanctuaries,” he said.
Rai said a team of forest officials will be sent to West Bengal to study elephant rescue operations.
Nagaraj claimed around 30 elephants died of water-borne diseases in Bandipur and Nagarhole forests.