Assam: Blind elephant roams around Behali, safely guided back to forest

In a remarkable display of nature's grandeur, an Asian elephant, suspected to be blind and ailing, ventured out from the confines of Behali Wildlife Sanctuary onto National Highway 15, near Bedeti Centre.

The majestic creature graced the surroundings with its presence, embarking on a leisurely stroll around 9 AM, capturing the attention of onlookers and passersby.

Prompt action ensued as concerned citizens swiftly alerted the forest department upon sighting the wandering elephant. Forest officials promptly responded to the scene, orchestrating efforts to safely guide the elephant back to its natural habitat within Behali Wildlife Sanctuary.

This sighting, however, was not the first encounter with the ailing elephant. On April 21st, the same pachyderm had been spotted within the sanctuary by a vigilant observer engaged in birdwatching near a pond in the Sialmari beat. Subsequent investigations and expert analysis revealed distressing news – the elephant was suspected to be suffering from blindness and was evidently in need of urgent medical attention.

Despite efforts to draw attention to the elephant's plight and advocate for necessary treatment, bureaucratic inertia seemed to impede timely intervention. Regrettably, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) remained unresponsive to appeals for medical assistance, allowing the creature to languish near the pond of Sialmari Beat for a week before relocating.

Today's excursion to Bedeti Centre underscores the urgency of addressing the health concerns plaguing this vulnerable creature. Despite forest officials' efforts to redirect the elephant to the sanctuary, concerns persist regarding the adequacy of care and treatment available within its natural habitat.

As this saga unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human encroachment and wildlife preservation. The fate of this blind elephant serves as a litmus test for the efficacy of conservation efforts and the responsiveness of wildlife authorities in safeguarding the welfare of endangered species. Amidst the verdant landscapes and bustling thoroughfares, the enigmatic presence of these gentle giants beckons humanity to embrace its stewardship of the natural world with empathy and diligence.