Chikkamagaluru district administration extended the prohibitory orders in villages on the outskirts of the city by one more day, as the operation to drive wild elephants away did not end on Tuesday, January 30. The nearby localities remain under prohibitory orders up to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 31, as per the communication from the district administration.
Schools and colleges in these areas remained closed on Tuesday as well. The Forest Department is conducting the operation to drive away around 25 wild elephants back to deep forests.
The herd, identified by the Forest Department as Beetamma group, was spotted roaming near Amber Valley School on the city outskirts on Sunday. The district administration clamped prohibitory orders in villages to ensure the operation ran smoothly. The officers anticipated that the drive would conclude by Tuesday morning.
As the operation continued, the administration extended the prohibitory orders by one more day. The areas covered under the orders include K.R. Pet, Mattikere, Mavinakere, Neradi, Biggadevanahalli, Bigganahalli, Haluvalli, Kambihalli, Tagadur, Kundur, Kesavina Mane, Mallur, Kenchanahalli and Hadihalli.
The district administration has sought people’s cooperation during the driving operation. The Forest Department has involved its staff for the drive, and eight kumki (tamed and trained) elephants are also on the job.
