Itanagar, April 6: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on April 6 commended the successful tranquilisation and capture of two rogue elephants, describing the operation as a result of “exceptional coordination, courage, and professionalism”.
In a post on X, Khandu said the mission was carried out after a prolonged period of fear and tragic loss of human lives, highlighting the complexities of conducting such operations in challenging forest terrain. He noted that efforts of this scale require not only technical expertise but also considerable dedication and risk on the ground.
The Chief Minister praised the joint effort of the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department, a Karnataka-based expert team, and national institutions including the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Wildlife Institute of India. He described the operation as a strong example of inter-state and institutional collaboration.
Highlighting the use of advanced tools, Khandu said AI-enabled thermal drones were deployed effectively during the mission, demonstrating how modern technology can support wildlife management and enhance human safety.
He also acknowledged the contributions of officers, veterinarians, technical experts and field personnel involved, stating that such coordinated efforts help safeguard human lives while ensuring wildlife is managed in a scientific and responsible manner.
