Wild Elephant Strays Into Mandya Banana Plantation, Sparks Panic in Gundapura Village
Panic gripped Gundapura village near Halaguru in Malavalli taluk of Mandya district on Sunday after a lone wild elephant strayed into a banana plantation, causing alarm among local residents. The incident prompted immediate action from forest authorities, who rushed to the scene to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
Forest Department Launches Intensive Operation
Alarmed residents quickly informed the forest department upon spotting the elephant. Officials responded promptly, launching an intensive operation to drive the animal back into the forest. During the efforts, S Chetan, a forest department jeep driver actively involved in the operation, was briefly chased by the elephant but narrowly escaped unhurt, highlighting the risks faced by personnel in such scenarios.
Crowds Complicate Rescue Efforts
The sighting attracted large crowds from nearby villages, with many residents gathering to catch a glimpse of the tusker. This gathering complicated the efforts of forest personnel, as managing both the elephant and the curious onlookers proved challenging. Fearing the possible presence of more elephants in the area, local farmers avoided using nearby roads and ventured out only after officials took control of the situation, underscoring the disruption caused by the incident.
Possible Origin and Current Status
Forest authorities suspect that the elephant may be part of a group of three wild elephants recently sighted in the Maddur region, believed to have migrated from the Kabbalu forest area. Preliminary assessments indicate that while two elephants moved towards the Basavanabetta forest after reaching Halaguru, this lone elephant became separated from the herd and wandered into the plantation. It later took refuge in a stream, where it remains under close observation.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Plans
Senior forest officers have remained stationed at the site, closely monitoring the elephant's movement and coordinating efforts to safely guide it back into its natural habitat. Nagendra Prasad, assistant conservator of forests, Cauvery Wildlife Subdivision, stated that the elephant is currently in a safe location and under constant surveillance. He added that the department is waiting for public movement to subside and plans to safely drive the elephant back towards the Basavanabetta forest area during the night, aiming to minimize further disturbances.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing human-wildlife conflicts in regions like Mandya, where forested areas border agricultural lands. Forest officials continue to urge residents to maintain caution and report such sightings promptly to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
