At Ramshai, the farthest end of Maynaguri block adjoining the Gorumara forest, locals celebrated Durga Puja amid the fear of wild animals. While the nocturnal visitations of elephants have long since become quotidian, it is the unexpected presence of rhinoceroses that has now emerged as the focal point of concern.
As night falls, a trio of rhinoceroses have been observed venturing beyond the confines of Gorumara forest, encroaching upon human settlements. These pachyderms have taken refuge in a water body adjacent to the Ramshai Rhino Camp, their presence a stark reminder of the increasingly blurred lines between wilderness and civilization.
The rhinos' forays have become a recurring phenomenon over the past few days. What amplifies the anxiety is the proximity of their chosen terrain to a Puja pandal, mere yards away. This juxtaposition of the sacred and the feral has, unsurprisingly, become a source of consternation not only for the Puja organizers but also for the forest department officials.
However, that the rhinoceroses have not, as of yet, made any direct approach towards the pandal. Rajiv De, the Assistant Divisional Forest Officer of Gorumara Wildlife Division, stated, "We have bolstered security measures not only in Gorumara but also in the surrounding areas during the Puja days. Our forest personnel remain vigilant to preempt any potential human-wildlife conflict."
