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Dhenkanal: The forest department has flagged off 'Airavat' bus service in Parajanga block of the district, in what is seen as a measure to tackle the rising elephant menace in the area over the last few days. This apart, it will also ensure the safety and protection of the pachyderms.
The specially designed Airavat bus manufactured at a cost of Rs 21 lakh is multi-beneficial. It has a charging system, public address systems, plus, it is equipped with tranquilisers and other equipment required to drive away the elephants from farmlands and human settlements.
Of late, people in Mahabirod and Kamakhyanagar Western Range under Dhenkanal forest division have been complaining of frequent nuisance by the elephants, which subsequently forced the forest officials to come up with the Airavat service.
"A team comprising forest personnel and elephant squad would patrol the area to curb the growing human-animal conflict. At times, when we are informed about the movement of the mammals in interior areas, destruction is done by the time our team reaches. Now, the squad can carry necessary items including food which would facilitate their stay in some centre point where such incidents are reported on a regular basis. The bus can accommodate around 30 people," informed Dhenkanal DFO Prakash Chand Gogineni.
The locals too have welcomed the decision of the authorities. "The crops were just about to reap but everything is destroyed now. Every morning we see elephant movement in our farmlands. The Airavat scheme is a welcoming step. Let's see how the forest department tackles the menace," said a farmer.
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