Dalma Safari Suspended as Elephant Numbers Surge Beyond 70

Jamshedpur: The Safari services have been temporarily suspended at the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary to prevent any risk to tourists. The sanctuary has witnessed a remarkable surge in elephant activity, with a fresh herd of 32 elephants arriving from the Ghatshila region, taking the total number of elephants in the sanctuary to over 70. The development, while celebrated as a positive indicator of ecological revival, has also triggered heightened concerns over potential human-elephant conflict.

According to Dalma Divisional Forest Officer Saba Alam Ansari, such a large herd has returned to the sanctuary after nearly three years. Forest officials have termed the development as a sign of improving habitat conditions and successful conservation efforts in the region. However, the sudden increase in elephant population has prompted authorities to step up monitoring and preparedness measures.

The situation assumes added significance in view of the upcoming Sendra festival, during which large numbers of people traditionally venture into forest areas. Officials fear that human intrusion into elephant habitats during this period could lead to dangerous encounters.

Ansari has issued a strong appeal to the Sendra Committee and local residents to observe the festival responsibly and strictly avoid entering the deeper forest zones. He cautioned that any untoward incident, including loss of life or property, could result in accountability being fixed on those violating the advisory.

In response to the evolving situation, the Forest Department has intensified surveillance across the sanctuary, deploying teams to track elephant movement and ensure public safety.

Forest officials have urged villagers residing near forest fringes to remain alert and avoid solitary movement in vulnerable areas, especially during early morning and late evening hours when elephant activity is typically higher.

The return of the herd has brought both hope and caution—highlighting the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and human safety in one of Jharkhand’s most prominent forest landscapes.