The forest department has erected barriers on a 10km road in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh, to protect commuters from a roaming herd of approximately 37 wild elephants. The decision was triggered by a recent encounter where two villagers fled for their lives, abandoning their vehicle as the elephants pursued them. The Tapkara forest range has seen heightened activity over the last three weeks, leading the department to implement a coordinated four-pronged plan. By temporarily shutting down routes that can be easily diverted, the department aims to minimize dangerous interactions. District Forest Officers report that these proactive measures have significantly reduced conflict incidents in the district throughout 2025 compared to previous years.
