Officials on High Alert as Jumbo Elephant Herd Camps Near NH-143 | Bhubaneswar News
Rourkela: A herd of 17 elephants has taken refuge near NH-143 in Lathikata area in Sundargarh district, prompting forest officials to mount a vigil to prevent the animals from straying onto the busy highway.
The elephants, part of a larger 23-member herd residing in the Chepatoli Khesra forest under the Panposh range, moved towards Suidhi and settled in bushes near the old bridge, just 100 metres from NH-143.
The unusual sight attracted hundreds of curious onlookers, causing temporary traffic disruptions on the highway. Officials from the Panposh forest range and local police quickly responded to the scene to manage the situation.
“We are monitoring the herd near the old bridge at Suidhi and plan to conduct a drive-away operation at night,” said P Sahu, a forester of Panposh range.
Forest officials, working in coordination with Lathikata police, have established a security perimeter around the area to ensure public safety. Authorities have urged residents to maintain a safe distance from the animals and avoid actions that could agitate the herd.
The elephants, part of a larger 23-member herd residing in the Chepatoli Khesra forest under the Panposh range, moved towards Suidhi and settled in bushes near the old bridge, just 100 metres from NH-143.
The unusual sight attracted hundreds of curious onlookers, causing temporary traffic disruptions on the highway. Officials from the Panposh forest range and local police quickly responded to the scene to manage the situation.
“We are monitoring the herd near the old bridge at Suidhi and plan to conduct a drive-away operation at night,” said P Sahu, a forester of Panposh range.
Forest officials, working in coordination with Lathikata police, have established a security perimeter around the area to ensure public safety. Authorities have urged residents to maintain a safe distance from the animals and avoid actions that could agitate the herd.
