Panaji: Omkar, the sub-adult elephant that has repeatedly strayed into Goa’s border villages in Pernem since September last year, has once again been spotted near the border. Goa forest officials confirmed that Omkar was seen in Maharashtra’s Wafoli village, approximately 5-6 kilometers from the border. They noted that the elephant has remained in the village for nearly a week and has not yet ventured into Goa territory.
Coordinated Monitoring Efforts
Forest officials stated they are maintaining close coordination with their counterparts in Maharashtra while discreetly monitoring the animal’s movements to avoid disturbing it. “If we get activated visibly, the other side also becomes equally vigilant regarding the elephant’s activity. So we are monitoring the movement through coordination. Whenever it comes very close to our border, and there is a possibility of it entering our area, then we will activate our team on the ground,” an official told TOI.
Current Location and Behavior
Authorities observed that Omkar currently appears to be confined to a single village area on the Maharashtra side and has not approached within a 2-kilometer boundary of Goa. With the onset of rains in the border area, officials noted that animals should not be moving in search of food now. “It may simply have become a regular movement path or habit for the elephant,” the official added.
History of Straying Incidents
TOI reported in September last year that the elephant spent nearly a month in the Pernem villages of Tamboxem, Ugvem, and Mopa, where it raided plantations and damaged crops, triggering concern among residents. The elephant later returned to Maharashtra and reunited with its herd in January this year. However, Omkar was spotted again near the Goa border in the last week of March.
Forest officials remain vigilant and prepared to activate ground teams if the elephant approaches Goa territory. The coordinated approach aims to ensure the safety of both the elephant and local communities while minimizing disturbance to the animal.
