Wild elephant damages waste plant in Chakulia, East Singhbhum

Jamshedpur: A wild elephant entered the solid waste management plant at the airstrip complex in Chakulia late on Thursday night, causing extensive damage and sparking panic among night guards on duty. The wild elephant remained inside the plant for nearly two hours before leaving, while the guards hid in safe places to protect themselves. According to information, the elephant approached the main gate of the waste management plant after coming from the direction of the airstrip complex. It damaged the main gate and entered the premises, where it began causing damage at different locations. Glass doors and windows in the office were also damaged during the incident. Employees and security personnel became frightened after learning that the elephant had entered the premises. A night guard who saw the elephant approaching immediately hid in a safe place. Staff members breathed a sigh of relief after the elephant left the plant following nearly two hours inside the premises. Gaurav Sharma, the in-charge of Pioneer company, which operates the plant, said wild elephant activity has increased in the Chakulia Nagar Panchayat area in recent times. He said elephants have also been regularly moving around the plant. According to Sharma, another elephant had entered the plant premises two days earlier, causing considerable damage on that occasion as well. The repeated entry of elephants into the plant has increased concerns over the safety of employees and security personnel. Sharma said the elephant damaged not only the main gate but also the glass doors and windows of the office. He also appealed to the Forest Department to ensure the safety of employees working at the plant and people living in the surrounding area.