Chaibasa (West Singhbhum): Fear and panic continue to grip the Chaibasa region of West Singhbhum district as a rogue elephant remains on the rampage, claiming the lives of 20 people in the last 10 days. The escalating human–wildlife conflict has pushed the district administration and forest department into high-alert mode, with extensive manpower and resources deployed to avert further tragedy.
Top Forest Official Reaches Ground Zero
In view of the gravity of the situation, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF–HoFF) Sanjeev Kumar reached Chaibasa from Ranchi early on Saturday morning. Upon arrival, he conducted high-level review meetings with forest and district officials to assess the evolving situation.
Sanjeev Kumar also visited affected villages and interacted directly with residents, assuring them that the government is committed to ensuring their safety and resolving the crisis at the earliest.
Crowd Control and Naxal Presence Complicate Operations
Addressing the media, the PCCF highlighted two major challenges hindering rescue and control operations.
One of the biggest obstacles is the gathering of large crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the elephant. Despite the imposition of prohibitory orders under Section 144, locals continue to assemble, putting their lives at serious risk.
The second challenge is the Naxal-affected nature of the area. The PCCF pointed out that conducting operations at night is extremely risky due to security concerns. This is particularly problematic as the elephant tends to become most aggressive after dark, forcing forest teams to proceed with extreme caution.
Jharkhand May Set Up Dedicated Elephant Rescue Centre
Responding to questions about the reliance on experts from states like West Bengal and Odisha, Sanjeev Kumar said that such coordination is part of standard emergency protocol during wildlife crises.
However, he revealed that the Jharkhand government is seriously considering establishing a dedicated Elephant Rescue Centre within the state. The proposal also includes developing a locally trained expert team, which would significantly improve response time and reduce dependence on external resources in future emergencies.
Senior Forest Officials Camp in Affected Area
To ensure close monitoring and swift decision-making, several senior forest officials are camping at the site. These include:
- PCCF (Wildlife) Paritosh Upadhyay
- Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) S R Nates
- Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF) Smita Pankaj
The elephant’s movement is being tracked round the clock using high-tech drone cameras, enabling real-time surveillance and quick response.
Compensation for Victims Announced
PCCF Sanjeev Kumar issued strict instructions to ensure that compensation reaches victims’ families without delay. He announced that all eligible compensation would be disbursed within 10 days.
Under the existing provisions:
- ₹4 lakh will be paid to the families of those killed
- ₹1.5 lakh will be given to those injured
To simplify the process, a dedicated forest staff member has been assigned to each affected family, responsible for completing all documentation by visiting their homes.
‘Operation Gajraj’ Launched to Control the Rogue Elephant
To prevent further loss of life and property, the forest department has launched a large-scale operation named ‘Operation Gajraj’, involving massive deployment of personnel and equipment.
- Operation Gajraj: Deployment Details
- Deaths reported: 20
- IFS officers deployed: 8
- Quick Response Team (QRT): 60 members
- Forest guards: 40 personnel
- Elephant control experts: 12
Equipment deployed:
- 3 tranquiliser guns
- 3 high-tech drone cameras
Authorities have appealed to residents to strictly follow safety advisories, avoid forest areas, and cooperate with officials as the operation continues.
Administration Appeals for Public Cooperation
Officials stressed that public cooperation is crucial for the success of Operation Gajraj. Residents have been urged not to venture into forest zones, especially at night, and to immediately inform authorities if the elephant is spotted near human settlements.
With the situation still volatile, the district remains on high alert as forest teams race against time to neutralise the threat and restore normalcy in the region.
Read also: How Rajdhani Express Derailment in Assam Led to the Death of 7 Elephants, CM Orders Probe
