Bhubaneswar's popular Sikharchandi Hillock picnic area has reopened for visitors after a tense five-day period during which two wild elephants roamed the vicinity, causing significant disruption. The tuskers have now moved back to the Bharatpur forest, allowing normal activities to resume from Monday.
Smart Strategy, Not Force, Used to Guide Elephants
Forest officials from the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary employed a clever and non-confrontational strategy to encourage the elephants to leave the human habitation area. Divisional Forest Officer (Chandaka) Binod Acharya explained their method. Instead of using aggressive tactics, they kept constant surveillance on the animals.
"When the elephants felt thirsty, we strategically did not provide water in a nearby tank they usually frequent. We kept it dry deliberately," Acharya stated. This tactic leverages natural elephant behavior, as the animals tend to shift their base when they perceive water scarcity after feeding. The officials only used 2-3 firecrackers to signal that they were being encouraged to move on, avoiding any harsh measures.
Why Elephants Stray Into Human Areas
Wildlife officials provided insight into the recurring issue of elephants straying from the Chandaka sanctuary. Despite an abundance of their favourite food, bamboo, within the sanctuary boundaries, the elephants sometimes venture out in search of other preferred foods. Jackfruit and banyan tree leaves are particularly attractive to them, drawing them closer to human settlements.
Interestingly, the successful revival of the bamboo forest in Chandaka has itself contributed to a rise in the local elephant population. The habitat, which once hosted only 1 or 2 elephants, now supports a healthier herd. This success, however, has also led to increased instances of elephants dispersing to nearby areas like Sikharchandi in search of diverse forage.
Safety Restored, But Vigilance Continues
The return of the elephants to Bharatpur forest has brought relief to both officials and the public. Forest officials confirmed that no untoward incident occurred during the five days the elephants were near the picnic spot. However, the animals will remain under watch until they return to the core area of the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary.
With the immediate ban on picnics lifted, visitors were seen thronging back to the Sikharchandi area on Monday. The location, being close to the sanctuary, is known for frequent elephant visits, posing a threat especially during evenings when people gather there. The recent event underscores the ongoing challenge of managing human-wildlife interface in regions bordering thriving forest habitats.
