Bengaluru: The pre-dawn tranquility of NICE Road in Bengaluru was disrupted as a herd of five elephants brought the city to a standstill during their annual migration season. The elephants were making their way from Bannerghatta National Park towards Bengaluru, encountering difficulties due to the encroachment of elephant corridors in Gulakamale and Bhootanahalli forest areas, along with the challenges posed by rail barricade fencing.
City police, along with Bengaluru Urban forest officials and BNP (Bannerghatta National Park) authorities, collaborated to guide the elephants back to the safety of the forest. Villagers in Kaggalipura alerted the police about the elephants’ movement around 3 am, prompting a quick response from forest officials who utilized loud crackers to redirect the herd.
N Ravindrakumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru Urban, acknowledged the situation, stating, “Our officials, along with BNP staffers, have been actively involved in driving the elephants back into the forests. Despite being held up near Khoday’s factory, the challenge remains for them to traverse the adjoining villages before safely returning to the Bannerghatta forest.”
The impact of encroachment on elephant corridors became evident during the migration, with officials highlighting the extensive encroachment in Gulakamale and Bhootanahalli forest areas. Fragmented forest patches are making it arduous for the elephants to navigate freely, forcing them into human habitats and causing unnecessary panic. The herd’s journey involves crossing areas like Taralu, CRPF camp, and reserve forest regions, all complicated by the presence of railway barricade fencing. Previously, there were two casualties in the area during migration seasons, and now, the herd must navigate along the fence until finding a suitable point to re-enter the forest, as securing the forest boundary with barricades adds an additional challenge.
Read More:
