A group of wild elephants have camped in forest areas near Chikkamagaluru city, leaving the residents in fear. As many as 24 elephants have been found roaming near Amber Valley School, according to Forest Department officials.
The department has begun the operation to drive them back to deep forests so that people in the nearby village are relieved. The department has involved the staff members of its elephant task force and other officials. Eight kumki (tamed and trained) elephants from Dubare and Nagarahole camps would be assisting with the drive.
Chikkamagaluru Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj issued a press release on Monday, appealing to residents of Chikkamagaluru town, Mugtihalli, Kadrimidri, Srinivasa Nagar, Adishakti Nagar, Kesavina Mane, Mattavara, Nallur, Rampura, Gavanahalli, Teguru, Dambadahalli, and Dummigere, to maintain caution while moving out. The officer has also sought people’s cooperation during the operation to drive elephants back to forests.
Schools closed
Chikkamagaluru Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj has clamped prohibitory orders in villages near the city up to 10 a.m. on Tuesday as the Forest Department is conducting an operation to drive wild elephants back to forest areas.
The order applies to the villages of Mugtihalli, Kadrimidri, Srinivasa Nagar, Adishakti Nagar, Kesavina Mane, Mattavara, Nallur, Rampura, Gavanhalli, Tegur, Dambadahalli and Dummigere. Schools and colleges in these villages remained closed on the day. The officers are hopeful of completing the drive successfully by Tuesday morning.
