Bagdogra, 02nd February: The forest department took special initiatives on Monday to ensure the safe transportation of Madhyamik examinees from forest-fringe and elephant-prone areas in and around Bagdogra to their respective examination centres.
Officials said localities such as Tipukhola, Tirhana, Ord and Tarabari in Bagdogra, along with Belgachi and Panighata forest areas in Naxalbari and Buraganj in Kharibari, are known for frequent elephant movement. Keeping safety in mind, special vehicles arranged by the forest department, along with state government buses, were deployed from early morning to pick up candidates and drop them at examination centres.
More than a hundred Madhyamik candidates from forest-fringe areas are appearing for the examination at different centres this year. To further assist students, the Kurseong forest division has activated helpline numbers across various ranges to respond to any emergency situation.
The initiative was welcomed by the examinees, who expressed satisfaction with the support provided by the forest department and the state government. The entire operation was supervised by the DFO and ADFO of the Kurseong forest division. Ranger Sonam Bhutia said that all necessary arrangements had been made to ensure the safety and smooth movement of the candidates.