📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Duke of W4
Local
Elephant herd led by ‘Chanda’ triggers panic in Chhattisgarh villages, forest dept on alert
✍️ ETV Bharat
🗓 18 Sep 2026, 02:36 PM
👁 30
A herd of elephants headed by a matriarch named ‘Chanda’ entered several villages in Chhattisgarh, causing widespread fear as the state forest department placed the area on high alert.
A group of wild elephants, reportedly led by a matriarch known locally as ‘Chanda’, moved into a cluster of villages in Chhattisgarh, startling residents and prompting immediate concern for safety. Witnesses described the animals walking through narrow lanes and open fields, creating a scene of chaos as families hurried to secure their homes.
Villagers reported that the sudden appearance of the herd caused panic, with many children and elders seeking shelter. While no injuries were confirmed, the presence of such a large wildlife congregation near habitations heightened anxiety across the affected settlements.
The Chhattisgarh Forest Department responded by declaring the area on high alert, deploying forest personnel and mobilising rapid response teams to monitor the herd’s movements. Officials emphasized that they are working to guide the elephants away from populated zones while ensuring the animals’ safety.
Authorities noted that incidents of human‑elephant conflict have risen in recent years, underscoring the need for coordinated measures between wildlife managers and local communities to prevent future disruptions.
Villagers reported that the sudden appearance of the herd caused panic, with many children and elders seeking shelter. While no injuries were confirmed, the presence of such a large wildlife congregation near habitations heightened anxiety across the affected settlements.
The Chhattisgarh Forest Department responded by declaring the area on high alert, deploying forest personnel and mobilising rapid response teams to monitor the herd’s movements. Officials emphasized that they are working to guide the elephants away from populated zones while ensuring the animals’ safety.
Authorities noted that incidents of human‑elephant conflict have risen in recent years, underscoring the need for coordinated measures between wildlife managers and local communities to prevent future disruptions.