Bhubaneswar: A rogue elephant that remained confined inside a transport truck for nearly 36 hours after being tranquilised will finally be relocated to the Kanchinda Wildlife Rescue Centre near Bangiriposi in Mayurbhanj district on Friday, forest officials said.
The prolonged delay in shifting the animal has drawn sharp criticism from wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists, who raised serious concerns over the elephant’s welfare and questioned the Forest Department’s preparedness in handling such sensitive operations.
The elephant had been creating panic among residents in the Kusumapat area under the Ratapata section of the Angul Forest Division for several days. Following repeated complaints and apprehensions about public safety, forest officials tranquilised the animal and decided to relocate it.
The Forest Department had initially planned to rehabilitate the elephant in the Satkosia Range under the Karanjia Forest Division. However, the proposal was dropped after strong opposition from local residents, who feared it would escalate human-elephant conflict in the area.
Subsequently, officials explored several alternative sites for relocation but could not find a suitable location. This prolonged search reportedly left the tranquilised elephant tied inside the transport vehicle for an extended period, triggering widespread concern among wildlife lovers.
According to sources, the department has now finalised the Kanchinda Wildlife Rescue Centre as the destination. The centre is equipped to house and care for rescued wild animals. The relocation process is expected to be completed on Friday.
Officials expressed hope that the rescue centre will provide a safe and secure environment for the elephant while helping minimise future instances of human-elephant conflict in the region.
