Elephants disrupt traffic on National Highway 53 in Odisha’s Dhenkanal

Elephants caused traffic disruptions on National Highway 53 near Kamakhyanagar, Dhenkanal, Odisha, emerging from nearby jungles and causing panic among locals. Forest officials are working to safely return them to the jungle.

Elephant create chaos on highway 53 in Dhenkanal

Elephant create chaos on highway 53 in Dhenkanal

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Three elephants were seen creating chaos and unrest on National Highway 53 near Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal, Odisha, on Thursday morning. The pachyderms were spotted roaming near Malapura village, causing panic among local residents. The elephants emerged from the nearby jungle, leading to a chaotic situation and disrupting movement along the national highway.

Reports indicate that around 60 elephants were seen in the Forest area of Raibol village in the eastern range of Kamakhyanagar three to four days ago. In an effort to avoid possible attacks by the elephants and to protect lives, crops, and structures, the Forest department officials and local inhabitants attempted to drive the elephants away. This effort resulted in the herd splitting into smaller groups, with some coming dangerously close to human settlements.

This morning, the elephants were seen wandering near Malapura village along National Highway 53, which connects Kamakhyanagar and Duburi. Their presence on the road has caused significant anxiety among motorists and nearby residents, resulting in traffic disruptions.

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The Forest department officials and authorities are actively working to drive the elephants back into the jungle to ensure the safety of both the animals and the local community. As the situation develops, residents remain on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to this unexpected encounter with wildlife.

In a recent incident five days ago, on Jan 11, a herd of elephants wreaked havoc, causing extensive damage to properties and crop stock. Witnesses reported that the elephants tore down house walls and damaged belongings kept in homes. The houses of Budhei Dehury and Basanta Dehury in Dankaridiha village were particularly affected, as the elephants not only destroyed the structures and walls but also consumed rice and paddy stored in their homes.

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