Sambalpur/Kuchinda: A tusker was rescued from an abandoned well in Panapalli village under Kuchinda police station in Sambalpur district after relentless efforts by fire brigade personnel and forest officials Wednesday.
The tusker, aged about 25 years, walked into Jharsuguda reserve forest after it was rescued, said Bamara divisional forest officer Lalit Mohan Patra.
According to sources, the tusker slipped into the abandoned well in the fringe area of Bamra divisional forest Tuesday night. As the residents sighted the animal, they informed forest department officials. However, no officials turned up to rescue the animal. Later, the villagers apprised Bamara divisional forest officer.
The DFO reached the place with a team of rescuers. Rescue efforts got delayed due to heavy crowds at the place. Police were called in to disperse people and rescue the animal.
The jumbo walked into the forest after it was taken out of the well. The elephant was found fit and its two tusks were intact, the DFO said. PNN