After several weeks of relative calm, elephant herds have returned to Champua block in Keonjhar district, sparking concern among residents living near forested areas. On Friday night, a herd of around 50 elephants entered the Jhaliabeda forest under Jyotipur Panchayat, Ukhunda section of the Champua Range.

Three Herds Recorded in the Region

Forest officials confirmed that another herd of 22 elephants from the Balibandh section also moved into the same forest through the Ukhunda area. Last month, a separate herd of 28 elephants migrated from the Patana Range to the Karanjia section in Mayurbhanj district. The recurring movement of multiple herds indicates heightened elephant activity in the region, particularly close to human habitation.

The elephants reportedly crossed the Baitarani Riv

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