Nine-hour rescue saves tusker in Chhattisgarh's Jashpur, elephant walks back to herd

RAIPUR: A tusker that had fallen down and was unable to move in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district was rescued after a nine-hour operation by forest officials and veterinarians, and later walked back safely towards the forests of neighbouring Dharamjaigarh range to reunite with its herd. The incident came to the fore when a local farmer informed authorities that a male elephant had fallen on private farmland and was unable to get up. Preliminary assessment suggested that the elephant was unable to stand due to weakness in one of its legs and a rescue operation was launched.Forest officials said the incident was reported early on Wednesday morning from Nawapara. A local farmer informed authorities that a male elephant had fallen on private farmland and was unable to get up.Jashpur DFO Shashi Kumar said that a forest team from the Pathalgaon range rushed to the spot and preliminary assessment suggested that the elephant was unable to stand due to weakness in one of its legs.Considering the seriousness of the situation DFO Kumar coordinated with higher authorities and arranged for urgent veterinary assistance.Wildlife veterinarian Dr Ajith Kumar Pandey from neighbouring Raigarh district arrived with his team and conducted a medical examination of the elephant. The pachyderm was given treatment on the spot, following which its condition gradually improved.After nine hours, elephant started regaining strength, and eventually stood up on its own. It slowly moved away from the site, heading towards the forests of Dharamjaigarh division where its herd was located.Forest staff advised villagers to maintain a safe distance to avoid any untoward incident. They appealed to residents in the region to remain alert when elephants are sighted, avoid crowding around the animals and immediately inform authorities