An elephant herd of 22, which was recently joined by two calves at Pathlgarki village of Tundi has now started moving with the calves turning 40 days.

Meanwhile the forest department has put the local villagers staying in the downhill areas of Tundi Pahar on alert and also provided them with bamboo torches and kerosene to defend themselves.

Talking to The Telegraph Online on Sunday, Vinod Thakur, said, “We have put our team of torchmen on alert and deputed them in the village but at the same time cautioned local residents living in the migratory route against any movement in night."

]“As the two calves have turned 40 days and the herd has also ramped up the movement in the adjoining villages, it can be assumed that they are now preparing to leave the area as part of their annual migration, said Thakur. “We also advise people not to panic as the elephants do not attack unprovoked," he elaborated.

Meanwhile, the herd which reached the Upnagar village on the downhill area of Tundi last night at around 11 pm damaged the crop. Though local residents called the forest department after the arrival of the herd it returned to its place in Pathgarki village after wreaking havoc.

Notably, the forest department has recently taken measures to avert any untoward incident by constructing check dams in deep forest areas of Tundi to ensure sufficient water source. Solar Street lights have also been installed in different villages to ensure better visibility in villages during the night so that the villagers can spot the elephants.