Bhubaneswar: Two wild tuskers have strayed into Sikharchandi area on the city’s outskirts, triggering panic among residents of the popular hangout and tourist zone.The errant tuskers, forest department officials said, dispersed from Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary as farmhouses near the sanctuary are home to mango orchards, where ripening season has begun. Till now, they have not caused any damage to property as they usually do once dispersed from the sanctuary, forest officials said.“In summer, tourist activities come down and there is no apprehension of conflict with humans. Our men are watching the tuskers’movement. Else, drones will be used to track and drive them back to the sanctuary without using tranquilliser,” said DFO (Chandaka) Binod Acharya.In Feb, a wild tusker that wreaked havoc around the city’s human habitation was tranquillised. In Dec, tourism had to be suspended near Sikharchandi for two days.Officials said Chandaka covers over 193 sq km, but its elephants remain confined to 15 sq km area near Bharatpur, close to the city. While every adult elephant requires at least 10 sq km, 18-20 resident elephants of Chandaka roam in merely 15 sq km, resulting in frequent man-animal conflict.Sikharchandi Hillock, a popular hangout place, witnesses frequent elephant menace because of its proximity to Chandaka Sanctuary.
