Alipurduar, Aug. 31 -- The Forest department has intensified preparations for the proposed reintroduction of a Royal Bengal tiger in Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR), bringing back two trained kumki elephants from Jaldapara National Park to strengthen patrolling and surveillance. With Chandan and Chandrima returning to Buxa, the reserve now has seven trained kumki elephants ahead of the proposed tiger release on October 2.
Three kumki elephants-Bharat, Sarathi and Vittal-had earlier been brought from Jaldapara to Rajabhatkhawa in Buxa. Chandan and Chandrima, meanwhile, were sent to Jaldapara around one and a half years ago for specialised training. They returned to Buxa on Sunday night and have been stationed at Cheko Beat. Two other kumki elephants, Jenaki and Mumtaz, were already stationed in Buxa Tiger Reserve.
Officials said the two elephants had initially faced difficulties in following rules and maintaining discipline. After undergoing intensive training and strict supervision in Jaldapara, their behaviour and working abilities have improved significantly.
During their training, Chandan and Chandrima regularly patrolled forest areas inhabited by large wild animals, including one-horned rhino and bison. They were also trained to work in difficult terrain and respond to instructions from their mahouts under different circumstances.
Officials believe their experience will help them assist forest personnel in tracking and monitoring tiger movements in Buxa. The seven kumki elephants will be deployed on a rotational basis in different parts of the reserve depending on operational requirements.
Forest minister Manoj Kumar Oraon said: "Preparations for the tiger reintroduction in Buxa are progressing as per schedule and following all prescribed procedures. I request everyone not to pay heed to any rumours or false information. Both Chandan and Chandrima are trained elephants. Their return to Buxa will further strengthen our surveillance system."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.