Herd of 13 elephants returns to Chhattisgarh’s Dharamjaigarh forest
Raipur, June 15 2026. A herd of 13 elephants that was roaming the Jilga complex under the Kudmura range of Korba forest division has crossed the Mand river and returned to the forests of Dharamjaigarh. The departure of the tuskers has brought relief to both the forest department and local residents.
Forest officials said the herd became active after sunset. After moving through the Kudmura range forests for some time, the elephants waded across the Mand river and headed towards Dharamjaigarh.
The presence of the elephants over the past few days had triggered panic among the villagers. Since several agricultural fields are located inside the forest areas, farmers faced a security risk while stepping out for cultivation. Local residents have resumed their daily activities following the movement of the herd out of the area.
The threat, however, is not entirely over. A larger herd of 48 elephants continues to roam the Jatga range of Katghora forest division. This herd stays in the hilly terrains most of the time, minimising direct conflict. Forest officials noted that trouble arises when individual elephants separate from the herd and wander into plains and nearby villages.
The forest department is tracking the movement of the elephants and has advised villagers to remain alert. Officials have requested locals to report any elephant sightings immediately so that preventive action can be taken.
