For the past four years, an elephant’s tusk has wreaked havoc in the area. The elephant has killed around 15 people and injured many others. It also destroyed numerous houses, leaving people homeless, and devoured crops, crippling the farmers’ livelihoods. After repeated attempts by locals to capture the elephant, efforts to tranquilize it have finally begun today in the Jamudihi Section of Toda Forest, Sundargarh District.
In earlier years, the same tusked elephant caused destruction in the Koida Range and Barsuan areas, leaving residents living in constant fear. At times, frustrated villagers took to the streets, demanding the immediate capture of the elephant, and even surrounded range offices to pressure officials.
After years of pressure, the government has finally responded to the villagers’ demands. With approval from the Forest Minister, the operation to relocate the elephant has started. A team of around 60 officers and staff, including experts from Rourkela RCCF, Banai DFO, Koida Rangers, Barsuan Rangers, three scientists, a special team from Kapilas Forest, two veterinary department teams, and the elephant squad, is working on the mission.
The team arrived at the forest this morning and is trying to first locate the elephant via radio tracking. Once located, they will tranquilize and capture it. The destination for the elephant remains unclear at this point.
Residents are anxiously awaiting the removal of the elephant, hoping it will soon be relocated. They have been urging the forest department to take swift action to move the elephant that has terrorized them for four years.