Bokaro, Jun 28 (PTI) A special alert has been issued for several villages in Jharkhand’s Bokaro district due to the movement of a herd of nearly 30 elephants, including at least three pregnant females, officials said on Sunday.
According to the alert issued by Bokaro Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Nitish Kumar, the herd has been moving through the Gopo, Palu, Barki Punnu and Kusumdih-Kanidih areas.
The elephants have split into smaller groups, while the presence of pregnant females has slowed their movement, increasing the likelihood that they may remain in the area for a longer period, officials said.
Bokaro DFO-in-charge Sandeep Kumar Shinde said photographs of the herd indicate that at least three female elephants are pregnant.
“According to
experts, elephants tend to become more aggressive and unpredictable during pregnancy and childbirth,” he said.
The district administration has advised residents of Mahuatand, Dhavaiya, Simrabeda, Darhabeda, Kusumdih, Kanidih, Gaga, Tikahara, Futkadih and Kander villages to remain on high alert.
Villagers have been directed not to venture out after dark, approach the elephants, create loud noises or attempt to provoke or chase the animals.
The Forest Department has also cautioned people against taking photographs or selfies with the elephants, removing tractor silencers to scare them away or harassing the herd in any manner.
Two Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed in the affected areas, while additional teams from neighbouring Gola, Mandu and Kuju will be mobilised if required, officials said. PTI ANB SOM
