Sundargarh Tusker Creates Panic, Officials Clarify It Was Bathing
Sundargarh: Panic gripped locals near the Biju Expressway at Kalunga–Goibhanga in Sundargarh district when a wild tusker was spotted inside a roadside canal.
Fearing the elephant was trapped, residents gathered in large numbers, prompting immediate intervention by forest officials.
Divisional Forest Officer Jashabanta Sethi clarified that the tusker was not stuck but bathing, and confirmed its health condition is stable.
The elephant, believed to be old, was monitored closely to ensure it could move safely back into the forest.
Rescue preparations were made with JCB machines and other equipment on standby.
The local administration and police were alerted to manage crowds and prevent disturbance to the animal. Officials stressed that the tusker should be given safe passage without interference.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between wildlife and human activity in Odisha’s forested regions, where elephants often wander close to highways and settlements.
