By Abhijit Kalita
Azara,June 21:Residents of Barbori near Azara Railway Station and Deepor Beel in Guwahati are growing increasingly anxious due to the presence of a large herd of wild elephants in the area over the past two to three days. According to local sources, a herd of approximately 40 to 42 elephants has been freely roaming near human settlements, posing potential risks to both life and property.
Reports indicate that around June 2, a much larger herd of nearly 80 elephants entered the region in search of food. While a portion of the herd later retreated, 40 to 42 elephants have remained, including a pregnant female that has since given birth. Locals believe this may be one reason the herd has not moved on, as the mother and calf have been unable to travel.
The elephants have been primarily seen near Barbori, a densely populated locality adjacent to Deepor Beel and close to the Azara Railway Station. Their prolonged presence has sparked concern among residents about possible human-wildlife conflict.
Upon being notified of the situation, officials from the Rani Forest Range under the Forest Department dispatched a team of forest personnel to the site on June 18.
However, the herd has yet to be relocated, and no significant steps have been taken since.The residents of Barbori have now appealed to the Rani Forest Range Officer and the Forest Department to urgently implement effective strategies to guide the elephants back to the forest before any untoward incident occurs.