An elephant fell into an open well at Jangur Munda under Chhendipada forest range in Angul district after a herd of 20 to 25 elephants entered the area from Deogarh in search of food.
Locals alerted forest officials when one of the animals slipped into the well.
A rescue team led by the Chhendipada Ranger reached the site and deployed two JCB machines to widen the well for extraction. The team prepared to lift the trapped elephant but faced unexpected resistance. The rest of the herd charged toward the officials, forcing them to halt the operation.
Forest staff withdrew to avoid confrontation and began efforts to drive the herd away. Officials explained that the aggressive behaviour of the elephants posed a serious threat to the safety of the rescue team. The department now plans to resume the operation once the herd disperses.
The incident highlights the growing conflict between humans and elephants in Odisha. Herds often move into villages and forest fringes in search of food and water, leading to dangerous encounters. Authorities stressed the need for caution and urged locals to stay away from the site until the rescue concludes.
The Angul elephant rescue remains a priority for forest officials, who continue to monitor the situation closely. The trapped elephant awaits assistance while the herd guards the area, delaying immediate action.
