The forest department in Bokaro district has escalated safety measures by issuing an urgent alert across multiple villages within the Gomia block. This precautionary action was initiated on Tuesday following the confirmed sighting of two distinct herds of elephants in adjacent forest zones, as reported by Divy Khare.
Immediate Response to Wildlife Movement
Forest officer Sundeep Shinde provided detailed insights into the situation, noting that one herd was observed near the Jageshwar area, while a second group is actively traversing the Gangpur-Dharampur belt. These movements have raised significant concerns due to the proximity to human settlements, prompting swift departmental intervention.
Villages Under High Alert
In response to the elephant sightings, authorities have placed villages in the Mahuatand, Jageshwar, and Barki Punnu regions on high alert. Residents are being advised to exercise extreme caution, avoid forested areas during dusk and dawn, and report any unusual wildlife activity immediately to forest officials.
The forest department is coordinating with local communities to monitor the herds' movements and implement preventive measures, such as erecting temporary barriers and conducting awareness drives. This alert aims to mitigate potential human-elephant conflicts, which can lead to property damage or safety risks.
Officials emphasize that while elephants are a protected species under wildlife laws, their unexpected presence near villages necessitates proactive steps to ensure both animal welfare and public safety. Continuous surveillance is being maintained, with updates to be provided as the situation evolves.
