Purulia Forest Dept. on High Alert for Basant Utsav: Elephant Movement Monitored

• Purulia Forest Department increases vigilance during festive season due to rising elephant population and tourist influx.
• Forest workers' leave canceled ahead of Basant Utsav (Palash Utsav) to monitor elephant movements.
• DFO Anjan Guha confirms 14-15 residential elephants, including solitary ones, now permanently reside in Purulia, mainly in Ayodhya Hills.
• Range officers are coordinating with hotels, lodges, and resorts to inform them about elephant locations and warn tourists.
• Forest Department advises locals and tourists to avoid deep forest areas and remain vigilant, providing information on elephant-dense zones.