Marwahi: A herd of 54 wild elephants has entered the Marwahi forest range in Chhattisgarh's Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district. The Forest Department has put nearby villages on alert.
The herd is currently moving through the dense Damdam forest in the Pendra area. Its arrival in such large numbers has raised concern in surrounding villages. Forest Department teams are keeping watch on the herd's movements and villagers are being urged to be careful.
From Katghora to Marwahi
According to available information, the herd was earlier in the Pasan area of the Katghora forest division. On Tuesday night, it reached close to the boundary of the Marwahi forest area.
Late on Wednesday evening, the elephants passed through the Bankheta area and entered the dense Damdam forest.
The Forest Department said special vigilance is being maintained in nearby rural areas. Its concern is the safety of villagers living close to the forest, as well as the ripening paddy crop.
Villages alerted through public announcements
Public announcements (munadi) are being made in nearby villages because of the herd's movement. Villagers are being advised to keep their distance from the elephants and not to be careless.
Villages that have been alerted include Rumga, Matiyadand, Semardarri Naka, Bahrijhorki, Magurda, Danikundi, Gullidand, Mauhritola, Kargikala, Marwahi and Pipardol, along with several others.
Round-the-clock monitoring
The Forest Department has put staff on 24-hour duty to track the herd. The teams are passing information on its movements to senior officials and the headquarters.
Officials said they want advance information on the herd's direction and activity, so that villagers can be alerted in time.
Do not go near the elephants or take selfies
The department has appealed to villagers not to go near the herd. They have been specifically asked not to gather in crowds to watch the elephants, chase them, take selfies or try to drive them away by throwing stones.
Officials said disturbing the elephants or going too close can make them aggressive. This could endanger both people and the animals.
Avoid forests and fields after dusk
Villagers have been advised not to go alone to the forest or fields in the evening or at night. Children and the elderly have been asked to be kept safe in particular.
People have also been urged to stay in pucca and safe houses where possible, and to be careful when they receive information about the elephants' movement.
Power department also contacted
To prevent electrocution accidents and protect the elephants, the Forest Department has contacted the power distribution company. Arrangements have been made to switch off power immediately on rural feeders linked to the area where the elephants are moving, if required.
Preventing loss of life is the priority
The department said its biggest priority at present is the safety of both the elephants and the villagers. The area where the herd is present is being monitored continuously.
Villagers have been asked to follow the instructions issued by the department and stay alert. In the coming days, the department will also keep a close watch on the direction in which the herd moves.