Bhubaneswar: Normalcy returned to the Shikharchandi hill range on Monday after two adult tusker elephants that had strayed into the area safely returned to the Bharatpur forest following a coordinated overnight operation by the Forest Department.
The elephants, whose presence had led to the temporary closure of the popular hilltop shrine and picnic spot, were guided back to the forest early in the morning, allowing authorities to reopen the area for devotees and visitors.
Forest officials said five special night-tracking teams were deployed to monitor and steer the elephants away from human habitation. The teams used night-vision cameras and tracking equipment to keep continuous watch on the animals’ movement, while forest personnel remained on high alert throughout the night.
Local villagers also played a crucial role in the operation by assisting forest staff in coordinating movement and ensuring that civilians stayed away from sensitive zones during the exercise.
According to officials, the tuskers had earlier breached a stone barrier separating the Shikharchandi hills from the Chandaka forest and wildlife sanctuary, which enabled them to enter the hill range. The breach is now being reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities have urged residents and visitors to remain cautious and cooperate with forest officials, reiterating the importance of maintaining safe distances from wildlife to avoid human-animal conflict.
-OdishaAge
