Bhubaneswar Shikharchandi hills reopen to visitors as tusker duo returns to Bharatpur forest

The two adult tusker elephants that had strayed into the Shikharchandi hill range in Bhubaneswar returned to the Bharatpur forest early Monday after a coordinated night-long operation by the Forest Department, allowing the popular hilltop shrine and picnic area to reopen.

As per reports, the elephants had remained in the Shikharchandi hills for around six days after entering the area from the Chandaka forest division, prompting authorities to close the site to tourists for two consecutive days as a precautionary measure.

Forest officials confirmed that the tuskers were successfully guided back to the Bharatpur forest by around 5 am following a marathon operation that lasted nearly 12 hours.

Night Operation Involving Multiple Tracking Teams

According to sources, five special night tracking teams were deployed to monitor and drive the elephants away from human habitation. Night vision cameras and tracking equipment were used to continuously observe the animals’ movement, while forest personnel remained on alert throughout the night.

Local villagers also assisted the forest teams during the operation, helping coordinate movement and prevent civilian presence in sensitive areas. Officials said the elephants had earlier breached a stone barrier separating the Shikharchandi hills from the Chandaka forest and sanctuary area, allowing them to enter the hill zone.

“The tuskers were first located around 11 pm, and attempts were made to guide them away from the hill area,” a forester involved in the operation said.

“They initially moved down to a lower elevation by around midnight, but re-entered the forest patch after spotting some vehicles. Renewed efforts were made, and by early morning, they finally returned to Bharatpur forest,” he added.

Public Access Restricted During Elephant Presence

The presence of the elephants had disrupted routine activities at Shikharchandi, a popular destination for morning walkers, picnickers and devotees visiting the Shikharchandi temple atop the hill.

With the tuskers safely returning to the forest, forest authorities reopened Shikharchandi to the public on Monday morning. Sources said that soon after the gates were opened, morning walkers were seen accessing the hill, while devotees resumed visits to the temple.

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The Forest Department said no injuries or property damage were reported during the six-day period, and the operation concluded without distress to the animals.