Amid report of an elephant from Assam being stranded in Bangladesh after being washed away in the strong currents of Brahmaputra river, an international animal protection body has appealed to External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to expedite the process of its return.
In a letter to Swaraj, Humane Society International requested the minister to expedite the permissions required by the rescue team for this case.
"We are confident that your involvement will help bring this stranded elephant safely back to India. We look forward to your swift action in the matter," the NGO said.
On June 27, it was reported that a wild female elephant was separated from her herd in Assam and floated along with the currents of the Brahmaputra river into the neighbouring Bangladesh.
In search of food, the pachyderm is now reportedly in conflict with villagers living in those regions.
The NGO said the request for permissions for travel plans of a rescue team are pending approval with the Ministry of External Affairs.
"The elephant has reportedly become feeble due to lack of food. Thus, her rescue at the earliest is necessary to prevent further distress to her as well as the locals living in the region," they said.
