A tense situation unfolded in Chhattisgarh’s Balodabazar-Bhatapara district as four elephants accidentally fell into a well within the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary on Tuesday morning. Promptly alerted by local residents who spotted the struggling elephants, forest officials and rescue teams immediately rushed to the scene.
The well, located in Hardi village, reportedly lacked a protective boundary wall, contributing to the unfortunate incident. To facilitate the elephants’ safe exit, excavators have been deployed to construct a ramp along the side of the well. Forest personnel are closely monitoring the situation, prioritizing the well-being and safety of the animals throughout the rescue effort.
In response to this and similar potential hazards, authorities are initiating measures to prevent future accidents. Plans are in motion to install iron grills on open wells in forest areas, funded by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority.
This incident also brings attention to the broader issue of elephant conservation. Recent data from the Wildlife Institute of India’s All-India Synchronous Elephant Estimation 2025 indicates a notable decline in the country’s elephant population, with estimates showing an almost 17% decrease compared to 2017 figures. The report highlights the Western Ghats as having the largest elephant population, followed by the northeastern regions, while also noting that human activities such as land-use changes, encroaching development, and plantations are fragmenting elephant habitats, particularly in the Western Ghats.