Elephants roam at Bhubaneswar Shikharchandi hills: Temple, picnic area shut for public indefinitely

The Forest Department, on Saturday, closed the Shikharchandi shrine and restricted public movement in the surrounding hill area of Bhubaneswar after two adult male tuskers were found roaming the region for several days.

As per the latest developments, the shrine will remain shut until the elephants move out of the area, authorities confirmed.

According to the Chandaka forest division, the decision was taken strictly on safety grounds as the presence of elephants was confirmed within close proximity to areas frequented by devotees and tourists.

Sources reported that officials locked the main entrance gate of the Shikharchandi shrine to prevent public access and informed the Infocity police station to assist in enforcement and crowd control.

Elephant Movement Confirmed By Forest Officials

Forest officials clarified that two male tuskers are currently present in the Shikharchandi hill zone. The elephants have reportedly been roaming the area for the past four to five days. Their presence was confirmed in the forest patch located behind an under-construction water tank atop the Shikharchandi hill.

Sources cited officials who said the elephants may have entered the area in search of food and have been spotted feeding on vegetation, including banyan and peepal tree branches found in the forested stretch.

The movement pattern indicates that the animals have remained within the hill forest zone and have not yet moved back towards the Chandaka sanctuary.

Shrine Closed Amid Peak Tourist Season

The closure comes at a time when Shikharchandi witnesses increased footfall due to the ongoing tourist season. The shrine and hilltop area usually attract a large number of devotees, morning walkers, and visitors.

Forest officials said allowing public movement during active elephant presence could lead to human–animal conflict.

In view of the situation, access to the shrine and adjoining hill routes has been suspended until further assessment. No timeline has been announced for reopening, and officials said the decision will depend on the movement of the elephants out of the area.

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Patrolling And Coordination Intensified

To monitor the situation, two forest teams have been deployed in the Shikharchandi hill area. At the direction of the Divisional Forest Officer of Chandaka, a special patrolling team led by the Bhubaneswar Wildlife Deputy Ranger has been carrying out intensified surveillance for the past three days.

Forest personnel are conducting joint patrolling in coordination with officials from the Bhubaneswar zone of the electricity department to track elephant movement and ensure safety in areas with power infrastructure.

As of the latest reports, the Chandaka forest division said forest staff are making sustained efforts to guide the elephants safely back towards the sanctuary area. No injuries, damage, or incidents involving the elephants or local residents have been reported so far.