Elephants in K’jhar struggle to cross NH-20 amid construction hurdles (Keonjhar) Naresh Chandra Pattanayak, Times of India February 3, 2025 A herd of elephants was left stranded on Monday while attempting to cross a stretch of NH-20 in the Naranpur section of Keonjhar district's Sadar range. The obstruction was caused by trenches dug for slurry pipe laying work and heavy highway traffic. The sight caused panic among pedestrians, while some onlookers captured the moment on their mobile phones from a safe distance. After being alerted, the forest staff arrived at the scene and made arrangements for the elephants to cross the road safely. "A forest squad reached the spot and helped the elephant herd to cross the road. The herd was safely moved to the Naranpur reserve forest," said Keonjhar divisional forest officer Dhanraj H D. Slurry pipe laying work, which has been ongoing for years in the forests of Sadar and Ghatgaon ranges in Keonjhar district, has raised serious environmental and wildlife concerns. According to sources, the continuous breaking of rocks, digging of soil, and destruction of forest areas along NH-20 have created significant barriers to the movement of elephants and other wild animals. The large holes and construction activities have disrupted natural animal corridors, causing traffic issues for wildlife. However, as per authorities, the forest department regularly monitors elephant movements and submits reports for their protection. Bimbadhar Behera, an elephant conservation advocate, said that the govt should prioritise the protection of elephant corridors, habitats, and traditional paths over corporate interests. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/elephants-in-kjhar-struggle-to-cross-nh-20-amid-construction-hurdles/articleshow/117893414.cms