Forest dept cautions motorists after lone tusker sighted on Charmadi ghat

Belthangady: Forest department officials have advised motorists to travel with caution on the Charmadi Ghat amid reports of a lone tusker moving around in the area for the last few days.

The tusker was spotted on Wednesday evening around 7 pm near the 4th turn of the Ghat. It was again sighted near the 7th turn on Thursday morning around 9 am.

The issue was brought to the notice of the officials at the check post. When the forest department personnel reached the spot, the elephant was not to be found but traces of its movement were visible.

The Charmadi Ghat with its dense forest cover is home to several wildlife species. In the past too, motorists have come across tuskers while travelling through the Ghat at night. However, this time such an encounter took place during the day and has created a sense of panic among motorists.

It is said that the animals are venturing out from their habitat in search of water and food owing to the recent drought and scarcity of water in the Ghat region as a result of the extreme weather conditions.