Tusker sighting halts Sikharchandi picnic
Bhubaneswar: The recent sighting of two tuskers on the top of Sikharchandi Hill has disrupted the Sunday picnic plans of locals and tourists, as the area has been closed during peak season to prevent human-animal conflict.
The Chandaka Forest Department’s elephant removal operation continues for the second day, and officials have been deployed on the spot to monitor the elephants’ movements. Since Sikharchandi is a popular picnic and gathering spot, the temporary closure has disrupted the plans of visitors arriving on the last Sunday of this year.
Many people and devotees, unaware of the situation, reached the spot but had to return due to the restrictions imposed. We were unaware of the presence of elephants on the hilltop.
“We had planned a picnic here, but now that’s not possible,” said Sarada Das, a visitor from Cuttack.
Another visitor said, “We come here every year with our families to seek blessings at the temple.
Due to the restrictions, we had to cancel our visit because we want the forest officials to safely return the elephants to the forest.”
“We are closely monitoring the situation and trying to drive the elephants away as soon as possible.”
Three teams have been deployed for the operation, a forest ranger said.
Chandka DFO Binod Acharya said, “All teams, including those from the electricity department and other agencies, are working together to drive the elephants away.
Once the elephants are safely relocated, the temple will be reopened to the public.”
