Even as the elephant population estimation exercise is underway amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, wildlife lovers are enthused with a recent development which saw a pachyderm venturing into the mountainous region of Narendranagar forest division. It is being stated that an elephant ventured from the plains of Rajaji national park to the mountainous region of Bemunda for the first time. According to departmental officials, an increase in the elephant population may be responsible for elephants venturing into areas they were not seen in earlier.
Till now, elephants were seen in the jungles near Narendranagar. However, for the first time in recent history, an elephant was recently seen in the jungles of Bemunda on the Rishikesh-Chamba highway. The forest department personnel directed the elephant back towards the plains. About five days later, the elephant was reported to have returned to Rajaji. Officials state that an elephant eats about 200 kilogrammes of fodder a day and may cover a distance of about 400 kilometres in a week. It is being surmised that the elephant must have reached Bemunda while browsing along the banks of the Henwal river in Shivpuri.
The forest department has planted Rohini, bamboo, Amla, Bel, Amaltas, Arjun and Jamun along the banks of the Henwal. These are preferred by pachyderms among other animals and birds.
Narendranagar divisional forest officer Dharm Singh Meena said that the population of pachyderms has increased in the Shivalik elephant reserve. The jungles of Bemunda have various trees and grasses preferred by the elephant. With ample food and water, it is possible that the elephant may have been checking out the area. After properly monitoring the elephant, it was directed back towards its herd in the plains, he added.