A female elephant died after falling into a canal near Nimapada Barni jungle under the Belgaon section of Titlagarh Forest Division.
The incident has raised concern among wildlife officials and local residents.
According to reports, a herd of female elephants had entered the Barni jungle from neighbouring Kalahandi district a few days ago. One of the elephants had been unwell for nearly eight days, and forest staff had been tracking its movements regularly.
On the night of January 1, the elephant attempted to cross a canal but slipped and fell, leading to its death. Upon receiving information, Balangir DFO Ajit Bisi and Titlagarh Ranger Shailesh Bisi rushed to the spot and began an investigation.
Forest officials confirmed that a post‑mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death. The department stated that the findings will help clarify whether illness or the canal fall was the primary reason behind the elephant’s demise.
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