Cash boost: Elephants at the Dalma sanctuary

Jamshedpur, May 24: Ranchi Wildlife Division will piggyback on rescued elephants Champa, Basanti and Pagli to launch a major tourist blueprint for Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, 30km from city limits.

Authorities are working out the logistics of an elephant safari, which will boost the eco tourism quotient in the scenic hills.

If all goes well, Champa, Basanti and Pagli, the three adult elephants rescued in September 2011 from the clutches of unlicensed mahouts in Jamtara will be used for the safari across the 192sqkm sanctuary, an functionary of the range office said.

The only hitch? The plan deadline may trip on red tape, as Dalma authorities are waiting for the disposal of a case pending with Jamtara divisional forest officer (DFO) court related to the jumbos.

“We are yet to know the status of the case. Till it ends, we can’t use Champa, Basanti and Pagli for the safari jaunt. Once done, we’ll give a major push to our plans,” the official said, under condition of anonymity.

The unlicensed mahouts are still at large.

But, officials are optimistic that the case will be disposed of soon, which will give them leeway to go ahead with the safari. “It is a great idea that, if implemented well, will boost Dalma’s eco-tourism tremendously,” said A.T. Mishra, divisional forest officer, Ranchi Wildlife Division. “We have already re-furnished the guest house at Pinderbera and the bamboo cottages in the foothills to draw tourists,” he added.

Shedding light on the preliminary plan, a forester at the Mango range office said the elephant safari would start from Makulakocha village and wend its way to earmarked locations inside the sanctuary. “Watering holes and waterfalls will be covered. The charges are yet to be finalised, but we have sorted out logistics keeping in mind the case at Jamtara DFO court can’t stretch for much longer,” he added.

According to him, mahouts currently taking care of the jumbo trio will train them for “safari-specific tasks”.

“Tourists need to feel safe, so training elephants is a must. The schedule will be worked out shortly. The safari will start at Makulakocha and forests near Dalma foothills,” he said.

Currently, the three elephants, as well as Rajni, the elephant calf rescued from a village in Icchapur, Seraikela-Kharsawan, are anchored at Makulakocha. The gang of girls roams the jungles throughout the day accompanied by mahouts.