17 elephants stranded in Mahanadi near Banki, Forest department on alert

A herd of 17 elephants, including calves, has been stranded on a sand patch in the middle of the Mahanadi River near Bhagipur in Banki, Odisha, sparking concern among wildlife authorities and locals.

The herd was on its way back to Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary after crossing the river from Athgarh’s Sukasan forest on Thursday night. However, rising water levels and disturbances along the riverbanks left them trapped on a small island.

Also Read: Baby elephant gets stuck in Dhenkanal's Rengali canal, escapes after several hours

The Sukasan Jungle–Chandaka Sanctuary corridor is a traditional route frequently used by elephants, requiring them to cross the Mahanadi. This time, the journey was interrupted, leaving the animals unable to proceed further. On this occasion, however, the elephants could not cross as dawn broke, and people on the riverbanks noticed their movement. The noise created by crowds is suspected to have deterred the elephants from proceeding further.

Forest Officials Maintain Vigil

Forest Department officials have reached the spot and are keeping a close watch on the herd. They are ensuring that the elephants do not enter the strong river currents and also preventing them from straying towards human settlements. The officials are particularly cautious as calves are present in the herd, and any forced movement could lead to casualties.

Public Crowd Adds to Threat

Despite repeated appeals from the Forest Department, locals have been crowding the spot to watch the elephants and are creating noise. This has resulted in adding to the risk of scaring them. Authorities are urging people not to disturb or attempt to drive away the herd, which could push them into the water or towards villages.

Next Course of Movement Unclear

Read More: Another elephant calf found dead in Narsinghpur forest range

Elephants generally avoid travelling during the day, and officials are monitoring whether this herd eventually proceeds towards Chandaka Sanctuary or returns to Sukasan Jungle. The Forest Department continues to maintain strict vigilance to prevent any mishap and ensure the safety of both the elephants and nearby human settlements.