Bhubaneswar: A herd of 17 elephants, including calves, has been stranded on a sand patch in the middle of the Mahanadi River near Bhagipur in Banki.
According to reports, the elephants were migrating back to the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary from Athgarh’s Sukasan forest when they became trapped on a small island in the Mahanadi River due to rising water levels and disturbances along the riverbanks on Thursday night.
As dawn broke, the elephants were unable to continue their crossing, and their presence was noticed by people gathered on the riverbanks. The noise generated by the crowds is believed to have startled the elephants, deterring them from proceeding further.
Upon being informed, Forest Department officials have reached the spot and are keeping a close watch on the herd. Their primary concern is to ensure the elephants’ safety, particularly the calves, and prevent them from entering the strong river currents or straying towards human settlements.
Despite the Forest Department’s efforts, locals have been crowding the spot to watch the elephants.
