Bhubaneswar: A tusker has wreaked havoc in the capital city since Monday, close to Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, prompting the wildlife authorities to decide on tranquillising the elephant.Officials said the 25-year-old elephant damaged boundary walls, several concrete structures, and fencing near and inside the Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC). The tusker is under the watch of tranquillising teams and other field personnel to prevent conflict with humans, Chandaka authorities said.“From Monday noon, the elephant strayed out of Bharatpur area and walked into human habitation. We kept a close watch. It damaged some properties as per information from field personnel. The tranquillising team is ready with darts to sedate and relocate the elephant to Chandaka,” said DFO (Chandaka), Binod Acharya.The elephant is drom a herd that is frequently seen around the Bharatpur region of the sanctuary.Officials said Chandaka covers over 193 sq km, but the elephants remain confined to a limited 15 sq km area near Bharatpur, which is close to the city. While an adult elephant requires at least 10 sq km of space, 18-20 elephants of Chandaka roam in 15 sq km, resulting in frequent man-animal conflict as they stray into habitations close to residential areas.Officials said they cannot go too near the tusker, but they can observe it from a safe distance. “We will wait for the opportune time and dart it,” a wildlife officer said.In Dec last year, Chandaka authorities suspended tourism activities around the Sikharchandi area, a tourist hotspot, as two tuskers strayed into human habitation, triggering panic among residents. Three days later, picnics resumed. Both police and forest personnel had to keep a watch at the site.Sikharchandi hillock, a popular hangout zone, witnessed frequent cases of elephants straying as it is close to the Sanctuary. The elephants come, roam around and return on their own. Since it is an area where people gather during the evenings, their presence may cause conflict.
