Jalpaiguri, 14th June: The residents of Jalpaiguri Teesta River bank areas are grappling with fear and anxiety as a herd of over 70 wild elephants descended upon the region.
On Thursday night, the elephants emerged from the Baikunthapur forest, making their way to the Teesta River banks. This unexpected incursion has compounded the residents’ distress, already heightened by rising river water levels and potential flooding.
Reportedly, the elephant herd traversed through the areas of Kaliaganj, Moral Para, Mahut Para, and Paharpur, causing significant damage to farming fields and spreading panic among the local populace. The situation remains tense as the large group of elephants has now taken shelter in the Teesta pasture. Efforts to mitigate the situation and guide the elephants back to the forest have proven challenging.
On Friday morning, forest workers encountered difficulties as the herd fragmented into smaller groups. Personnel from the Baikunthapur, Gorumara, and Jalpaiguri forest departments are currently on the scene, working tirelessly to manage the situation.
Authorities have issued warnings to local residents, advising them to avoid the affected areas to prevent any potential danger. Forest workers are maintaining a vigilant watch over the elephant herd, striving to ensure both the safety of the residents and the animals.