Wild elephants pose a threat to many villages in the southern forest division of the district. To tackle this issue, the forest department is focusing on raising awareness. In Tandil, near the Chinia police station, villagers received training from experts from other states on how to stay safe from elephants.
The training provided several tips for protecting themselves from elephant attacks. Abin Benny Abraham, the divisional forest officer for Garhwa South, attended the event.
Dr Rudra Aditya from Karnataka spoke to the villagers about the dangers posed by elephants. The programme aimed to ensure community safety from elephant-related incidents. Villagers learned ways to mitigate the risk of elephant attacks.
Dr Aditya indicated that the proximity of villages and fields to the forest increases the likelihood of elephant encounters. He emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant. Residents should keep their surroundings clean, ensure proper lighting, and refrain from interfering with elephants. Instead, they should alert forest department staff immediately to prevent any issues.
Important advice included maintaining a safe distance when attempting to move elephants and using torches or chilli powder, among other techniques.
The divisional forest officer warned that elephants are frequently moving through Chinia and can enter villages at any moment. Residents should stay alert and refrain from entering the woods unless absolutely necessary. If they encounter an elephant, they must inform the forest staff immediately. He specifically cautioned against going into the forest while under the influence of alcohol, as this may attract elephants.
He also noted that when trying to drive elephants away, it is crucial to be aware of one’s surroundings. For over three years, locals have lived in fear due to wild elephants, making it difficult to go out after dark. Elephants have caused the deaths of at least six residents and have destroyed numerous thatched houses and hundreds of acres of crops.
Present at the meeting were Mukhiya Chinta Devi, Mukhiya representative Charku Parhiya, in-charge forest officer Animesh Kumar, and forest workers Premchand Das, Hemant Tirki, Bipin Mehta, Radheshyam Prasad, and others.