Elephant Rescue Chaos: Experts Warn of Public Interference Risks

On 2025-10-11, villagers in Gundavani and adjoining areas of Narasimharaja Pura taluk in Chikkamagaluru were left stunned after witnessing a wild elephant rescue operation. The operation revealed that it is a life-and-death situation for the rescuers, contrary to the villagers' initial perception of it being a simple task without significant risk.

As the rescue unfolded, the villagers' perspective changed as they recognized that human behavior plays a crucial role, and public interference during operations poses a major barrier to success. Experts, including mahouts, kavadis, veterinarians, and foresters, provided essential guidance during the operation, but the public's failure to follow instructions complicated the task.

Despite repeated requests and warnings, the public refused to cooperate, making it "not possible to control them" as the rescue took place in a forest area with multiple entry points. The deputy conservator of forests, Shivashankar, personally attempted to control the crowd, but to no avail. Foresters require public cooperation for tasks such as supplying water and carrying equipment, but the villagers' lack of understanding of the risks involved has been a persistent issue.

The rescue operation was challenging due to the thick forest, the elephant's behavior, and the terrain. A villager who closely witnessed the event described it as a "very challenging and life-risking job," emphasizing the risks faced by the rescue team members, who worked by putting their lives at risk to protect the public.