Baripada/Bantala: Forest department was success in bringing Mahendra and Rajkumar, two elephants, from Similipal sanctuary to Satkosia sanctuary. These pachyderms reached Tikarpara range office Sunday night, a report said.
Sources said, the guidelines of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) say Kumki (a trained captive Asian elephant) elephant is essential at a tiger reserve for increasing population of big cats and their safety. In this regard, principal chief conservator of forests had written letters to Similipal field director and Karnataka government. Hence, the two elephants have reached along four mahuts and two doctors. Process is on to get three more elephants, it was learnt.
Mahendra and Rajkumar will be put to use in providing safety to tigress Sundari. This apart, they will entertain tourists at Raiguda, Tikarpara and Purunakote.
These two elephants have a good experience in similar job. They came to Similipal sanctuary in 2001 as guests. They have earned accolades for performing the job of keeping watch on wild animals and poachers quite up to expectation. So it is hoped that they can do the job of keeping a tab on tigress efficiently.
The forest department had earlier tried to get elephants from Similipal but failed due to vehement protest by local people there.
When contacted, deputy director, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Yajnadutta Pati said a truck took Mahendra and Rajkumar from Jashipur to Satkosia. This time, we did not face any opposition from local people as we had had a discussion with them. Similipal Tiger Reserve will get its two proud possession back after some days, he informed.
PNN