Hazaribag: A curfew-like situation prevailed in Tatijharia block on Friday night after a herd of elephants entered the Panimako area. The heightened alert came days after seven people were trampled to death by elephants in Gondwar under Churchu.The district administration and forest department launched an intensive night-long vigil. Sirens from forest department vehicles echoed through villages as teams moved from one habitation to another, warning residents to stay indoors. By Saturday evening, the herd was reported to be in the forests of Simradhab and Bedmakka.Officials said this was perhaps the first time such a coordinated and sustained alert was witnessed in the block.Acting on the instructions from DC Shashi Prakash Singh and forest officials, teams conducted continuous patrolling across Panimako, Hardiya, Mandpa, Khambhwa, Jeruwadih, Karamba, Simradhab, Amanari, Bedmakka, Bandih, Daharbhang and several other villages.BDO-cum-CO Rashmi Khushboo Minz and officer in-charge Indrajeet Kumar, along with forest personnel, remained on the ground throughout the night. Local volunteers and social workers were also put on alert, while updates were shared through social media to prevent rumours and ensure a coordinated response.Kumar said efforts are underway to drive the elephants towards a safe corridor, away from human settlements. Residents were advised not to venture into forested areas or attempt to provoke the animals.
