Elephants Disrupt Traffic on National Highway 53 in Odisha’s Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal, Odisha: A herd of wild elephants caused significant disruption on National Highway 53 in Dhenkanal district on Tuesday, creating panic among local residents and affecting vehicular movement. The pachyderms were spotted near Malapura village, located along the highway, early in the morning, leading to a temporary halt in traffic and prompting local authorities to take swift action to ensure the safety of both the elephants and the public.

The incident occurred when a group of about six elephants, believed to have strayed from the nearby forest area, wandered onto the highway. The presence of these massive animals on the busy road caused chaos as vehicles, including trucks, buses, and cars, were forced to slow down or stop completely.

Residents of Malapura and nearby areas expressed concern as the elephants roamed near populated regions. “It’s a terrifying sight to see such large animals so close to our homes. We were afraid that they might damage property or cause accidents,” said Priya, a local resident. The commotion also led to a temporary suspension of local businesses and schools, with people preferring to stay indoors until the animals were cleared from the area.

The traffic jam continued for several hours as officials from the Forest Department and local authorities were alerted. A team of wildlife experts was dispatched to guide the elephants back into the forest and clear the road for commuters. However, it wasn’t an easy task. The elephants were not immediately willing to move, forcing authorities to create a controlled environment with barricades and loud noise to encourage the animals to return to the nearby forest.

National Highway 53, a key route connecting several towns and cities in the region, was severely affected during the standoff. Long queues of vehicles built up on both sides of the highway, with many travelers delayed for hours. While some motorists took alternate routes, others waited patiently for the situation to be resolved.

In a statement, the Dhenkanal Forest Range Officer said, “Our primary concern was the safety of both the elephants and the public. We have teams in place to monitor the movement of elephants in the area and ensure that such incidents are minimized in the future.” The officer also assured that steps were being taken to strengthen the barriers around the forest areas to prevent elephants from venturing onto highways.

Elephant-human conflict in Odisha is not a new issue. With the growing human population and deforestation, elephants are increasingly coming into contact with populated areas, often creating dangerous situations. The state of Odisha has a significant population of wild elephants, especially in regions like Dhenkanal, Sundargarh, and Keonjhar, where dense forests serve as their habitat.

Experts say that incidents like these are becoming more frequent due to habitat loss and the expansion of human settlements near wildlife corridors. Elephants, in search of food and water, often stray into villages and towns, putting both the animals and the people at risk. In recent years, there have been several reports of elephants damaging crops, destroying property, and, in some cases, even injuring or killing people.

To address the growing concerns, wildlife conservationists have been advocating for better management of elephant corridors and the installation of elephant-proof barriers along highways. These measures, they believe, could help mitigate the risks and ensure safe passage for the animals, preventing them from wandering into populated areas.

Meanwhile, the authorities have advised travelers to remain cautious when passing through areas known for elephant activity, particularly in the evening and early morning hours when the animals are more likely to be on the move.

The elephants involved in Tuesday’s incident were eventually coaxed back into the forest, and traffic resumed normal operations later in the day. However, the event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by human-wildlife conflict in Odisha and the need for greater vigilance and planning to protect both human and animal life.

As of now, no injuries have been reported, but authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation, hoping to prevent further disturbances in the coming days.