Bagdogra, 17th September: A herd of elephants entered a rice warehouse at the Bengdubi Army cantonment in Bagdogra while searching for food and reportedly began feeding on rice stored inside the facility.
According to information, the herd entered the Army cantonment from the nearby forest before making its way into the rice warehouse. The elephants reportedly remained inside for some time, feeding on rice from the stored sacks.
The information reached the Forest Department, following which forest personnel from the Kurseong Forest Department quickly reached the spot and began efforts to drive the elephants out of the warehouse.
Forest officials used sirens and firecrackers to gradually drive the elephants out of the warehouse and towards the forest. The herd eventually left the area and returned to the forest.
According to the Forest Department, around 124 elephants are currently present in the Bagdogra forest area. Officials are maintaining vigilance over elephant movement, particularly in areas close to forests where elephants may enter in search of food.
The Forest Department is also monitoring elephant movement regularly and advising local residents to remain alert about the presence of elephants in forest-adjacent areas.
The entire incident, including the elephants feeding inside the rice warehouse and being driven back towards the forest, was captured on camera. The video has since attracted attention on social media.
