Itanagar, April 6 (NationPress) Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, expressed his appreciation on Monday towards forest officials and wildlife specialists for their effective tranquilization and capture of two rogue elephants. This operation followed a distressing period that resulted in the tragic loss of at least seven human lives.

The initiative was undertaken by the Arunachal Pradesh Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, in partnership with officials from the Karnataka government.

The elephants had caused numerous fatalities and significant destruction to crops, property, and other resources in the Tirap and Lohit districts.

Experts from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) were also integral to the operation's success.

A senior official from the forest department noted that the mission commenced on March 30. The first elephant was captured on April 1 near the Ramakrishna Mission School at Narottam Nagar in Deomali. This particular elephant was implicated in the deaths of five individuals, including former MLA Kapchen Rajkumar, who tragically lost his life during a morning walk from Namsang to Deomali town on July 9, 2025.

In a follow-up operation on Sunday afternoon, another rogue elephant was captured close to Jecko village. This elephant was associated with the fatalities of at least two people, including police officer Martin Lego in February of this year.

At the state's request, a specialized team of 12 experts from Karnataka was mobilized to support the operation, collaborating closely with Arunachal Pradesh's Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department.

The Karnataka contingent was led by Dr. Ramesha H, Senior Veterinary Officer and Elephant In-Charge, associated with Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, and Bandipur National Park & Tiger Reserve.

Officials reported that the operation utilized cutting-edge technology, including AI-enabled thermal forestry drones and other modern tools sourced from the Bandipur and Nagarhole Tiger Reserves in Karnataka.

State Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Wangki Lowang also commended the officials and experts who participated in the operation, expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Pema Khandu for facilitating the Karnataka expert team's deployment.

On social media platform X, CM Khandu remarked: “The successful tranquilization and capture of two rogue elephants, after a prolonged period of fear and tragic loss of human lives, showcases remarkable coordination, bravery, and professionalism.”

He emphasized that operations of this magnitude, especially in challenging forest terrains, demand not only technical skill but also immense commitment and risk-taking at the ground level.

Khandu further noted that the collaborative effort of the Arunachal Forest Department, the Karnataka expert team, and institutions like NTCA, MoEFCC, and WII exemplifies robust inter-state and institutional cooperation.

“It is particularly significant how advanced technologies, such as AI-enabled thermal drones, were effectively utilized, demonstrating how contemporary tools can enhance wildlife management and ensure human safety,” he added.

“A heartfelt thank you goes to all officers, veterinarians, technical experts, and field staff who executed this mission under exemplary leadership. Such decisive and well-executed measures not only protect human lives but also guarantee that wildlife is managed responsibly and with scientific care,” the Chief Minister concluded.

In the meantime, forest officials have urged residents, especially those residing near forested regions, to stay alert. They advised against leaving food waste in proximity to homes, as it can attract elephants, and suggested planting king chilli plants as a natural deterrent.