On October 6, 2025, catastrophic flooding in North Bengal led to the collapse of a wooden bridge near the Jaldapara Forest Tourist Lodge in Alipurduar district. This incident left several tourists stranded in the heart of Jaldapara National Park, a renowned wildlife sanctuary. In a remarkable turn of events, trained Kumki elephants were deployed to rescue these tourists, highlighting the deep bond between the region’s wildlife and its human inhabitants.
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The Collapse of the Jaldapara Bridge
The wooden bridge over the Holong River, a vital link to the Jaldapara Tourist Lodge, was washed away due to incessant rains and swollen rivers. Approximately 25 tourists were trapped at the lodge, unable to access the main road. The collapse of the bridge not only disrupted tourism but also posed significant challenges for rescue operations.
Elephants to the Rescue
In an unprecedented rescue operation, trained Kumki elephants were utilized to ferry stranded tourists across the river. Ravikant Jha, Assistant Wildlife Warden of Jaldapara Forest, confirmed that elephants successfully transported 2–4 tourists at a time to safety. These elephants, specially trained for such tasks, navigated the challenging terrain, ensuring the safe evacuation of visitors aryavarthnews.com.
Broader Impact of the Floods
The heavy rainfall, with some areas recording up to 261 mm in just 24 hours, led to widespread devastation across North Bengal. Several bridges, including those in the Dooars region, were washed away, isolating communities and disrupting transportation networks. In addition to human casualties, the floods resulted in the loss of wildlife, with reports of rhinos and other animals being swept away or stranded.
Rescue Operations and Challenges
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) initiated extensive rescue operations across the affected regions. In Jalpaiguri, over 160 individuals were rescued using boats and zip lines. However, the challenging terrain and rising water levels posed significant obstacles. In areas like Falakata, where roads and bridges were heavily damaged, some tourists were ferried across using earthmovers.
The Role of Elephants in Conservation
The use of elephants in rescue operations underscores their integral role in conservation efforts. Beyond their traditional use in safaris, elephants have been instrumental in monitoring forest health, assisting in anti-poaching activities, and now, in emergency rescue missions. Their involvement highlights the multifaceted contributions of wildlife in supporting human communities.
Government Response and Future Preparedness
In the aftermath of the floods, the West Bengal Forest Department has initiated damage assessments, deploying officials on elephant patrols to evaluate the extent of destruction in the forested areas. The government is also focusing on rebuilding infrastructure, including bridges and roads, to restore connectivity and ensure the safety of both residents and tourists.
The collapse of the Jaldapara bridge and the subsequent rescue operations serve as a testament to the resilience and cooperation between humans and wildlife. While the floods have caused significant challenges, the swift response and innovative solutions, such as utilizing elephants for rescues, have mitigated potential disasters. As North Bengal rebuilds, the incident reinforces the importance of integrating wildlife conservation with community development and disaster preparedness.
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