Haridwar, July 7 -- The forest department has intensified surveillance and deployed additional patrolling teams in elephant-prone areas of Kotdwar and Kalagarh in Pauri district following repeated sightings of wild elephants near residential settlements over the past few days, officials said on Monday. According to forest officials, residents of the Ramganga Hydel Project colony in Kalagarh have reported frequent movement of elephants near residential buildings and internal roads, prompting the department to strengthen patrolling in the area to prevent any human-wildlife conflict. Local residents said elephants have been regularly spotted close to apartment complexes and colony roads, creating fear among families, particularly during the evening and night hours. Kalagarh Range Officer NK Ruwali said dedicated forest patrol teams have been deployed to monitor elephant movement and ensure the safety of residents. "Our patrolling teams have been deployed to safeguard local residents and drive away elephants or any other wild animals entering residential areas. Preventing human-animal conflict is our top priority, and continuous vigil is being maintained in vulnerable locations," said Ruwali. Meanwhile, panic gripped residents of Grastanganj in Kotdwar after an elephant accompanied by a calf was spotted roaming near residential areas during the intervening nights of Saturday and Sunday. On receiving information, forest personnel rushed to the spot and safely drove the animals back into the forest using standard mitigation measures, including firing in the air and bursting crackers, officials said. Forest officials have appealed to residents of elephant-sensitive areas to remain alert, avoid venturing outdoors alone during late-night hours, and immediately inform the forest department if wild elephants are sighted near human habitations. Officials said the department has also stepped up monitoring in vulnerable stretches around Kotdwar and Kalagarh, particularly during night hours, when elephant movement from nearby forest areas into adjoining settlements is more frequent....