Elephants from Dalma still a source of worry

Kanchan Siddique, The Statesman

October 3, 2007

BANKURA, Oct. 3: The herd of elephants that had migrated from the Dalma ranges in Jharkhand are posing a threat to the peace and tranquility in the Bankura forests. The herd entered the Bankura forests at a time when the forest is already packed with a jumbo herd of 62 elephants who had migrated earlier from the same place two weeks ago, as well as its usual residential herd of nine members.
The forest guards and the members of the forest protection committees are surveying the jungle stretches and filing reports with the respective range offices regarding the movements of the two herds every day. The guards have observed that the two herds are not in a mood to mingle with the other and are maintaining a ‘safe’ distance. Such a gesture is usually seen on the eve of a clash. The forest officials, the block administration and the respective panchayats fear the rampaging herds may cause extensive damage to the crop, and households in the adjacent localities and also a loss of human life is feared.