Bhanjanagar: Residents are in a state of alarm as approximately 52 elephants have been spotted in the North Ghumsur forest area of Ganjam district as of Monday.

As night descends, these elephant herds venture out of the forest, wreaking havoc in surrounding villages, according to local accounts. Reports indicate that the elephants obstructed the Nidhia Palli–Galeri road for an extended period on Sunday night, leaving travelers in a state of fear.

On Monday evening, a tusker was observed crossing National Highway 157 near Buduli, appearing agitated as bystanders attempted to capture selfies.

Environmental advocates, including Ramesh Patra from the North Ghumsur forest wildlife committee, have called on the Forest department to implement measures that would facilitate safe movement for the elephants.

Forest officials quickly arrived at the scene in an attempt to guide the tusker back into its natural habitat. At one point, the elephant charged at both officials and locals, prompting a hasty retreat for safety.

The presence of the tusker has also caused significant disruptions to traffic along the Bhanjanagar–Phulbani highway.