THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, January 13: A lone elephant entered the interior areas of the Panki block in Palamu district on Monday–Tuesday night, creating fear among residents.
Officer-in-charge of Panki police station, Rajesh Ranjan, said police received information on Monday evening about the presence of an elephant in the Ulgara area. Forest department officials were immediately informed.
The elephant was reported to be barely five miles away from the Panki police station.
Non-tiger reserve zone
Panki is a non-tiger reserve area and falls under the Medininagar forest division.
Range officer Mahender Kumar said forest personnel rushed to the location but did not spot the elephant. However, several footprints were found, confirming its movement in the area.
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Mustard crop damaged
The elephant trampled standing mustard crops, leaving behind numerous circular and oval footprints in the flattened fields, according to sources.
Forest officials gave people who claimed to have seen the elephant moving through nearby areas high-decibel crackers to drive the animal away.
Officials issue safety advisory
Forest officials said lone elephants can be aggressive, especially when crowds gather around them.
- Stay downwind, as elephants have a strong sense of smell
- Keep a distance by maintaining a 50 to 100-meter distance from the elephant
- Do not run in a straight line; move in a zigzag manner
- Throw a piece of clothing midway to distract the elephant
- Watch for warning signs such as ear flapping, head shaking, trumpeting, tail raising, or dust throwing
- Avoid loud noises and vehicle horns, which can provoke elephants
