Summary:
Similarly, another 25-30 elephants in three herds have been sighted in Banki forest range, K Bolang and Bimlagarh of the district, the source added. They love ripe jackfruits and can smell it from a distance, said Mohanty. According to experts, elephants being allergic to red chilli get its whiff from a distance and turn away.The new strategy, which was introduced on an experimental basis last year, had given satisfactory results, official sources said. "Following the advice of the experts, we recently introduced the use of red chilli powder to prevent the elephants from straying into villages," said J K Mohanty, assistant conservator of forests, Rourkela.Red chilli powder spread on jute bags are dipped in burnt lubricant and hung in strategic locations, mainly at the possible entry points of jumbos to villages, Mohanty said. There were two ripened jackfruits in the house of two recent victims (mother and son) for which the elephants had broken the wall of the house, Mohanty added.According to official sources, around 45 elephants in separate herds are seen in different locations of the district..