INDIA:Tembo atumika kufukuza wakazi wa makazi duni

Eviction squad ... elephant tears down home

The animals are part of an elite eviction squad used by Indian officials to clear forest land of unwanted residents.
They are hired from local owners before being put to work bulldozing shacks that dot the Assam region in north-east India.
Dr R D Tanwar, chief conservator for forests, said: “The hilly terrain of the region makes it impossible for bulldozers or any large demolition vehicles to enter the region. And if we send in human demolition squads, people chase them away.
“We hire elephants from local mahouts to demolish the huts as they are the only sensible way in the hilly region.”

Rented out ... animals are hired from local owners

UB Photos / Barcroft India

The region has hundreds of elephants which were used in the timber trade, which has since been banned.
Animesh Prabat, a resident in Ghandi Mandap Hills, where the latest evictions took place, said: “There are more than a thousand domesticated elephants in the region.
“Earlier, they used to carry timber in the mountainous regions, but ever since they have been banned from doing so their owners have put them out to rent.

Trampled ... shack after elephants are done with it

UB Photos / Barcroft India

“They are often used by people during marriages and weddings and other social functions.”
However, animal welfare organisations have been up in arms about the decision to use the endangered animal.
PETA India CEO Poorva Joshipura said: “The use of elephants to tear down illegal structures has always been and remains a ’dumbo’ move.

Destroyed ... shacks crumble at force of animals

UB Photos / Barcroft India

“Forcing these animals to ram into concrete and iron is a violation of Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and shows a total disregard for the welfare of our nation’s heritage animal.
“The government focus should not only be on protecting forests, but also the animals who reside in it, by ensuring they are not deliberately forced into acts that would cause them injury, distress and pain.”