Wed Nov 20 01:44:05 UTC 2024: ## Bandhavgarh Vet Transferred After 10 Elephant Deaths
**Bhopal, November 20, 2024** – The Wildlife Health Officer at Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR), Dr. Nitin Gupta, has been transferred following the deaths of 10 elephants who consumed fungus-infected kodo millet. The transfer, announced November 19th, comes three weeks after the October 29th-31st incident that triggered multiple investigations.
Dr. Gupta, the only veterinarian stationed at BTR, rushed back from Jabalpur upon learning of the elephant deaths. He oversaw treatment efforts for two days, assisted by local and other national park veterinarians before his arrival. Despite praise from officials for his response and leadership during the crisis, he has been reassigned to the Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo white tiger safari in Satna. Dr. Rajesh Tomar will replace him at BTR.
The deaths prompted earlier suspensions of the then BTR Field Director, Gaurav Choudhary, for being absent on leave, and an assistant conservator of forests for alleged negligence. The incident highlighted shortcomings at BTR, including the lack of a dedicated animal treatment facility and insufficient support staff for the veterinary officer. The new Field Director, Anupam Sahay, has stressed the need for a team including an assistant vet, cameraperson, and computer operator to support the Wildlife Health Officer.
First Piper 