Keonjhar: A herd of elephants, including calves, was prevented for hours from crossing the road at Putulupani in Keonjhar district on Tuesday due to heavy traffic from iron ore and stone mining operations.
The incident occurred under the Bhuyan and Juang Pidha range, with locals reporting that the presence of numerous parked trucks and roadside fencing further complicating the situation.
“Our forest team immediately responded to ensure safe passage for the elephants by implementing temporary traffic control measures,” said Dhanraj HD, divisional forest officer (DFO), Keonjhar.
The forest department intervened after receiving reports of gathering crowds wanting to catch a glimpse of the stranded elephants. Officials temporarily halted traffic, allowing the herd to cross safely.
The incident has brought attention to a recurring problem in the region, where elephant herds regularly traverse between forest areas across the busy mining routes. Environmental activists have urged for a permanent solution to the problem in order to address the increasing human-wildlife conflict in the area.