Katarniaghat, Bahraich: A swift and coordinated response by the Forest Department and Irrigation Department helped avert a potentially serious wildlife emergency in Uttar Pradesh’s Katarniaghat area of Behraich distirct on Tuesday, after a herd of five wild elephants, including two calves, was swept by a strong river current towards the Girjapuri Barrage.
The incident was reported at around 10:20 AM, when the Katarniaghat Range Headquarters received a wireless message through the Kailashpuri Barrier that an elephant herd comprising three adults and two calves was being carried by the strong current of the Kaudiyala river towards the barrage.
The powerful current posed a particular danger to the two young calves, which were struggling to swim against the flow and were being swept along with the water. The adult elephants also followed the calves, apparently in an attempt to protect and rescue them, but they too were finding it difficult to maintain control in the strong current.
Forest Team Rushes to Girjapuri Barrage
Immediately after receiving the alert, the Range Officer (RO), Katarniaghat, proceeded towards the Girjapuri Barrage along with a team of forest personnel.
With the river current posing a major challenge, the Forest Department promptly contacted the Irrigation Departmentfor assistance. The quick response from the irrigation authorities proved crucial in controlling the situation.
The Irrigation Department immediately closed the barrage gate, which helped bring down the speed and intensity of the river current.
The intervention gave the elephants a crucial window to regain control in the water.
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Adult Elephants Guide Calves to Safety
Once the river current slowed, the adult elephants were able to regain control of their movement. They subsequently guided the two calves towards safety, preventing them from being carried further towards the barrage.
The herd had by then reached the vicinity of the barrage gates.
Forest personnel then used traditional hanka techniques, involving controlled noise and commotion, to guide the elephants away from the barrage area and back towards the adjoining forest.
The effort succeeded, and the entire herd subsequently moved safely back into the forest zone.
Quick Coordination Between Departments Prevents Tragedy
The incident highlights the importance of rapid coordination between different government departments during wildlife emergencies.
The Forest Department’s quick response after receiving the wireless alert, followed by the prompt intervention of the Irrigation Department in regulating the barrage flow, helped create conditions that enabled the elephants to survive the dangerous situation.
The adult elephants’ response also played an important role, as they stayed with the calves despite the strong current and subsequently guided them to safety after the water flow was reduced.
Swift Inter-Departmental Action Saves Swept-Away Elephant Family in Katarniaghat, UP
— Ramesh Pandey (@rameshpandeyifs) August 25, 2026
On August 25, 2026, at approximately 10:20 AM, Katarniaghat Range Headquarters received a wireless message via the Kailashpuri Barrier reporting that a herd of elephants—comprising 3 adults and… pic.twitter.com/3CCt4DGhY2
Three Adult Elephants and Two Calves Safe
The elephant family comprised:
- 3 adult elephants
- 2 elephant calves
All five elephants were ultimately able to move away from the barrage area and return safely to the forest.
The incident also demonstrated the importance of timely communication between field staff and other departments when wildlife is exposed to sudden natural or human-induced hazards.
The Katarniaghat Range staff have been credited with their quick thinking and immediate response, while the Irrigation Department played a critical role by promptly closing the barrage gate and reducing the dangerous current.
The successful rescue ensured that what could have turned into a major wildlife tragedy ended with all five elephants safely returning to their forest habitat.
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