Pushkar V By

NEW DELHI: Sidda, a 45-year-old male elephant, blind in one eye, one leg broken and bruised all over, has been lying stranded in the backwaters of Manchanabele dam for a fortnight now. Two weeks ago, it had strayed near Uddandanahalli village when villagers chased it away. On the run, a panicky Sidda fell from a height of 10 feet. breaking his front right leg. Despite the injury, he managed to find his way to Savandurga Forest Range. But the elephant has been stuck in the backwaters of Manchanabele dam, around 45km away from Bengaluru, unable to budge.

Veterinary doctors from Bengaluru and Mysuru visited the spot and prescribed medication for the animal, but it continued to show signs of discomfort. Officials of the Forest Department said the elephant has preferred to stay in water, maybe to relieve pain. Officials said the elephant has several scars on its trunk and pellet wounds on its body.

“This has made it difficult for us to treat the ailing elephant. We have been feeding it jowar, bananas and other food items, laced with medicines,” a forest official said.

Efforts to tranquilise the animal hasn’t been made any progress as veterinarians are concerned about the animal’s weak health. Officials will evaluate the tusker’s health condition and plan to relocate it.

Relocation in a week

Speaking to Express, D Manjunath, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ramanagara, said that the department was taking all the necessary steps to ensure that Sidda is rescued. “There are many factors to consider for the rescue operation,” he said.

However, he added that the department plans to rescue and relocate the elephant by this week. If the operation is a success, Sidda is likely be shifted to Bannerghatta National Park, near Bengaluru.

Fondly called ‘Mudde’ Sidda

Staff of Forest Department, who are monitoring Sidda’s health, are now fondly referring to him as ‘Mudde’ Sidda owing to his fondness for ragi balls. Staff had laced ragi balls with medicines. “But the animal is so intelligent. He would only pick the ragi balls that did not have medicines in them. Now we feed him bananas mixed with medicines,” a Forest Department staff said.

The department is also keeping a close watch on the animal as poachers may hunt it down owing to its weak health. Apart from staff, wildlife volunteers too are offering their assistance.