Safety guards around wells in forest to protect elephants

DHENKANAL: Dhenkanal Forest division has launched a drive to erect protective barricades around all open wells in reserve and revenue forest in all ranges. The decision was taken by the forest administration in the wake of elephants falling into the wells several times. As part of the drive, the Forest department has already completed the survey. Almost all wells were found to be abandoned and unsafe for wild animals. According to reports, there are around 360 abandoned wells in the reserve and revenue forest under various ranges.

The Forest department has already given safety guards with wire around the wells. Each guard costs `5000 to `6000. The Forest officials expect that the elephants would touch safety guards and not proceed further to fall into the well.

The incidents of the elephants falling into the wells sparked off tension in the area and drew condemnation from the wild animal activists. Besides, rescuing the trapped elephants proved to be a gigantic task which took several hours for the personnel from different authorities. “We have taken steps on the basis of survey and repeated incidents.

Now, the work of erecting safety guards is in progress. We have expedited the operation for protection of the elephants as well as wild animals,” said Rinku Kumari, DFO . Meanwhile, the Forest department has appealed to the people not to dig water bodies without its permission in forest areas. “Many people often use the wells to irrigate their orchards and crops lands. We have imposed a ban on such use,” the DFO said.