Doomdooma: A wild elephant spotted roaming in Assam’s Golaghat district on Thursday with a large tyre lodged around its neck was rescued after the Forest Department launched an operation to remove it.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday evening, “Whether it is a human being or an animal, it is our responsibility to ensure that no living being suffers in Assam.” He said local residents had spotted the elephant moving through Numaligarh with the tyre around its neck, following which the Forest Department launched a rescue operation.
The elephant was earlier seen in the Marangi-Bakiyal area of Golaghat with the tyre tightly lodged around its neck, raising concern among local residents and wildlife observers.
Khumtai MLA Mrinal Saikia said he had spoken with the Forest Department about arrangements to safely remove the tyre. He also appealed to residents not to create noise or panic around the elephant or approach it.
Sarma said the rescue team safely removed the tyre from the elephant’s neck, allowing it to move out of danger.
“Now, the elephant, free from danger, can reunite with its herd and return to its normal life,” he said, underlining the need for compassion, protection and prompt action towards wildlife.
The incident raised concerns about the risks wild elephants face when they encounter discarded objects in areas inhabited by people.
Wildlife observers said the tyre could have restricted the elephant’s movement or caused injuries if it had remained lodged around its neck for a prolonged period.
The Chief Minister said compassion and prompt action towards animals reflected Assam’s responsibility towards living alongside nature.
The rescue operation ended after the tyre was safely removed from the elephant’s neck.