The Forest Department in Karnataka's Belagavi district has issued an urgent public alert following sightings of a herd of wild elephants roaming near villages along the Khanapur-Belagavi taluk border. Officials have advised residents in several villages to exercise extreme caution and avoid forested areas to prevent potential human-elephant conflicts.
Villages on High Alert
Authorities have specifically warned residents of Bakanur, Belavatti, Bailur, Kusamalli, Kinaye, Habbanatti, and Devachihatti villages. The alert comes as forest officials actively monitor the movement of the elephant herd. The office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests issued a formal notification to protect both lives and property in the region.
Critical Safety Instructions for Public
The forest department has laid out clear safety guidelines for the public. Since elephants are most active from 6 PM to 8 AM, people are strongly advised not to visit forest-edge areas or farmlands alone during these hours.
Officials have stressed crucial "don'ts" if one encounters an elephant:
- Do not throw stones or any objects.
- Avoid screaming or making sudden loud noises.
- Do not attempt to take photos using mobile phone flashes.
Such actions can provoke the animals, leading to dangerous attacks, the notification clarified. Furthermore, the department warned that illegally installing electric fences is a punishable offence and poses a severe threat to both humans and animals.
Department's Response and Public Cooperation
To manage the situation, the forest department has deployed a Rapid Response Task Force (RRT) and staff for round-the-clock surveillance of the elephant herd's movements. Officials stated that all necessary preparations are in place to safely guide the elephants back into the forest.
In case of an emergency, people are advised to move in groups and make noise while travelling. The public is urged to immediately report any elephant sightings to the nearest forest office or via the dedicated helplines. The key contact numbers provided are:
- Belagavi Forest Control Room: 1926
- Zonal Forest Officer, Khanapur: 8105344308
The forest department has appealed for full cooperation from the public to ensure the safety of all and to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the situation.
