Cox's Bazar, Aug. 25 -- Local communities in Ukhiya have been urged not to approach or drive away elephants when the animals enter human settlements, but instead keep a safe distance and immediately inform the Forest Department or Elephant Response Team (ERT).

The call was made at an awareness meeting at Jaliapalong High School in Ukhiya on Tuesday, marking World Elephant Day.

Participants also called for coordinated efforts by the Forest Department, local administration, elected representatives and communities to reduce human-elephant conflict and strengthen the protection of elephant habitats and movement corridors.

The event was organised by Arannayk Foundation under its "Scaling Up Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation, Intervention, ...