Baby elephant born in Chhattisgarh's Katghora forest, herd strength rises to 67

RAIPUR: A newborn elephant calf was shot in Sakhoda range of Kendai forest subdivision in Chhattisgarh’s Katghora forest division, soon after it took birth on Tuesday. Forest officials said that the number of elephants in the Sakhoda area has risen to 27, taking the total population of pachyderms in Katghora division to 67.Forest beat officer Ashok Kumar Srivas recorded the video of calf feeding and walking in protective shield of giants in the herd.Kendai forest range officer Abhishek Dubey told TOI that the mother and calf are being closely monitored, with special teams directed to maintain vigilance. Night patrols have been intensified and an alert system strengthened to prevent human-elephant conflict. Regular monitoring of elephant corridors and community participation are being emphasized to ensure safety.Officials described the birth as a significant marker of conservation success in the region. The local community has been urged to maintain safe distance from the herd and promptly alert forest staff if elephants are sighted near villages.“The event brings new energy to the ongoing elephant conservation programme in Katghora,” said Nishant Kumar, Korba divisional forest officer in a statement.According to forest department data, the division’s elephant population is spread across different ranges as follows: