Elephant calf rescued after four hour intensive operation

Dhenkanal: A female elephant calf was rescued after a four-hour-long massive rescue operation today after it fell into an abandoned well in a forest near Mahulapunji village under Sadar Range here.

According to reports, the calf had strayed into the area last evening and accidentally fell into the well. "Although the forest officials were intimated about the incident yesterday itself, the team reached only today," informed a villager.

Tension erupted after the rescue team suggested digging of the well to carve out a slope to help the elephant calf climb out of the structure. A few locals protested the move claiming that it would damage the well that was being used for agricultural purposes.

"This was the only well used by us to water our fields.  We have no problem if they dig it to rescue the elephant but the officials must take the responsibility to repair it after the rescue operation," said a villager, Srikant Mohanty protesting the move.

However, the situation was brought under control after the Dhenkanal Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) intervened and pacified the protestors.

As the rescue operation resumed, a JCB machine was pressed into action and a pathway was dug to help the elephant climb up the well."The elephant is about six years old and will be dispersed into the forest, "informed the DFO.