Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, May 15: A lone wild elephant roaming through Charmadi Ghat has triggered repeated traffic disruptions and growing panic among motorists, with fresh sightings reported once again on Thursday morning.

The elephant’s frequent appearance along the busy ghat stretch has led to traffic coming to a near standstill on several occasions, leaving commuters stranded for hours in the winding hill section. Travellers passing through the route have been forced to halt midway as fear spreads each time the animal emerges near the roadside.

What has alarmed locals even more, however, is the reckless behaviour of some tourists and motorists, many of whom have been seen approaching the elephant dangerously closely to click photographs and record videos. Fuelled by rumours that the elephant “does not attack anyone”, several visitors have reportedly been engaging in risky antics near the animal, ignoring the possibility of a sudden and potentially fatal attack if it becomes agitated.

Monsoon fog could turn deadly

With the monsoon set to intensify in the coming days, concerns are mounting over the threat posed by poor visibility in the ghat section. Heavy rain and thick fog frequently blanket the road, making it difficult for drivers to spot the elephant in time.

The danger is particularly acute because the elephant is often seen near blind curves and sharp bends, where motorists may come face-to-face with the animal without warning. The absence of street lighting along major stretches of the route has added to fears of serious accidents during night-time travel.

Forest department urged to act

Residents and frequent commuters have urged the Forest Department to intervene immediately and treat the recurring elephant sightings as a serious public safety issue. There are increasing calls for preventive measures before the situation escalates into a major tragedy involving either motorists or the animal itself.

Poor network coverage hampers response

Efforts to alert authorities have also been complicated by poor mobile network connectivity in the ghat region. Travellers often struggle to contact forest officials after spotting the elephant. Even when information is passed on through nearby check-posts, officials frequently arrive at the location only after the animal has disappeared into the forest, making timely action difficult.