Kantamal: In a concerted effort by the Kantamal Forest Department in the Boudh district on Thursday night, around 8 PM, a wild elephant that had been wreaking havoc in the Udipur village within the Kantamal forest range for the past 4-5 days was successfully captured. The elephant had been causing extensive damage by intruding into homes and disrupting the daily lives of the local residents. The relentless efforts of the forest department were finally rewarded as they managed to apprehend the rogue elephant.
Over the preceding days, the elephant had been breaking into houses and creating chaos in the region. Its destructive behavior included raiding food stocks, particularly targeting rice and paddy, and causing significant losses to the crops in the fields. The elephant’s rampage had been a cause of distress for the residents in the area, who were grappling with the challenges posed by the unwelcome visitor.
Under the leadership of DFO Debapriya Kampa, the forest department’s team exerted strenuous efforts to capture the elephant. After a rigorous operation, they succeeded in restraining the elephant using a strong iron chain tied to a tree. The captured elephant will now be relocated, with options such as Nandankanan or another suitable location being considered for its safe transfer.
The situation had escalated to a point where the local populace was in dire need of intervention, and the forest department, under the guidance of DFO Debapriya Kampa, took prompt and effective action. The use of a sturdy iron chain to secure the elephant demonstrates the department’s commitment to ensuring both the safety of the residents and the welfare of the captured wild animal.
This incident underscores the delicate balance that needs to be maintained between human habitats and wildlife territories. The successful capture of the rogue elephant reflects the dedication of the forest department in addressing wildlife-human conflict situations and safeguarding both the local communities and the wildlife in the region. The next steps, including the safe relocation of the captured elephant, will be crucial in maintaining harmony between humans and wildlife in the Boudh district.
Check here for the latest updates in Hindi!