Jhargram: The conflict between Maoists
and security forces in West Midnapore has not only affected
the lives of humans but has also impacted the migratory
pattern of wild elephants at Dalma wildlife sanctuary in
Jharkhand, a forest official said today.
A herd of 30 to 35 elephants are currently at Tapabon, in
the jurisdiction of Nayagram police station area, which is
unusual as they arrive here normally only in winter, DFO
Milonkanti Mondal told reporters here today.
The pachyderms arrived at Tapabon after crossing the
Kangsaboti and the Subarnarekha rivers, he said, adding that
the tuskers had destroyed a number of houses enroute reaching
here but there was no plan to drive them away.
Another official said that the elephants` movement was
disturbed by the ongoing operation between joint forces and
Maoists in the district and they were unable to return to
Dalma.
There are nearly 80-85 elephants in Dalma Wildlife
Sanctuary, which is spread in an area of 193 sq km.
PTI
