Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday praised forest officials and wildlife experts for successfully tranquilizing and capturing two rogue elephants. The capture ends a period of terror that resulted in at least seven human deaths across the Tirap and Lohit districts.
Successful Multi-Agency Operation
The Arunachal Pradesh Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department spearheaded the mission in collaboration with the Karnataka government. Several national institutions provided critical support:
- National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
Timeline of Captures
The mission, which began on March 30, targeted two specific elephants responsible for a string of tragedies:
- April 1: Teams captured the first elephant near Ramakrishna Mission School in Deomali. This animal reportedly killed five people, including former MLA Kapchen Rajkumar in July 2025.
- Sunday Afternoon: Experts captured the second elephant near Jecko village. Officials linked this elephant to at least two deaths, including police officer Martin Lego in February 2026.
Technical Expertise and Inter-State Cooperation
At the state’s request, a 12-member expert team from Karnataka, led by Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Ramesha H, assisted in the field. The team utilized advanced technology to navigate the dense forest terrain, including:
- AI-enabled thermal forestry drones
- Specialized modern tracking equipment from Bandipur and Nagarhole Tiger Reserves.
“The successful tranquilization… reflects exceptional coordination, courage, and professionalism,” CM Khandu posted on X. “Modern tools like AI-enabled thermal drones demonstrate how we can strengthen wildlife management and human safety.”
Safety Advisory for Residents
While Minister Wangki Lowang celebrated the mission’s success, forest officials urged residents near forest borders to remain vigilant. To prevent future conflict, they recommended:
- Managing Waste: Avoid leaving food waste near homes, as it attracts elephants.
- Natural Deterrents: Plant king chilli (Bhut Jolokia) around properties to discourage elephants from approaching.
