A year and a half ago, a herd of elephants numbering 50-60 entered Nepal through the Bahundangi area. Although some returned to India, the forest office estimates that the remaining elephants are now returning to India.
The Division Forest Office, Jhapa, has stated that the herd of elephants that entered Jhapa via Morang is currently in the forest area under the Ratuwamai Tree Plantation Project in Shivasatakshi.
After a herd of elephants with calves in the number of 25-30 entered Jhapa, miking and patrolling have been started in the northern part of the district with caution.
According to Bharatbabu Shrestha, chief of the Division Forest Office, Jhapa, the herd of elephants that arrived in the forest area in Shivasatakshi on Saturday has not crossed the Kankai Mai river to the east nor has it gone west. ‘The herd of elephants is roaming in the forest around Shivasatakshi Dham. We are aware that there is no harm to both elephants and humans. Subordinate employees are working on the ground,’ he said.
The forest office estimates that the herd of elephants may be moving towards India from Bahundangi via the northern part of the East-West Highway. About a year and a half ago, a herd of elephants in the number of 50-60 entered Nepal through the Bahundangi area. Although some of them returned to India, 25-30 elephants were still in the forest areas of Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari and other forests.
The forest office estimates that the elephants are now returning to India. Since it is the season for farmers to harvest rice, plant kunyu, and store it, the general public has been appealed to be careful as the herd of elephants is expected to cause damage, and the office chief Shrestha informed that he has written to all municipalities asking them to be vigilant.
