The Kumki elephants of Jaldapara National Park — Diana Sundarmani, Joy, Shambhu, Lakshman, Balaram, Meenakshi, Devangi and Menkara — are set to receive a special award for their extraordinary service during the devastating floods that struck the Dooars on October 5.
When floodwaters from the Torsa River inundated vast stretches of the region, including a government resort, the situation turned dire. The only wooden bridge connecting the area collapsed, leaving dozens of tourists stranded and rescue operations became a tough task to perform.
“Amidst this crisis, the Kumki elephants, trained to assist us, emerged as true saviours. These gentle giants, led by their mahouts, braved the raging waters to rescue 28 stranded tourists from the flood-hit resort. But their heroism did not end there. The elephants also played a crucial role in rescuing several wild animals, including rhinos, that had been swept away. Nine rhinos were safely returned to the forest,” said a forest department official.
“We are proud of the way our forest workers and elephants worked to combat the flood,” said Praveen Kashwan, Divisional Forest Officer of Jaldapara National Park, adding, “Our elephants not only rescued tourists but also helped bring back flood-swept animals to the forest.”
State Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda lauded the extraordinary efforts of both the forest department and the elephants, calling them “our forest workers.”
“The Kumki elephants played a vital role in rescuing tourists and returning displaced animals, including rhinos, to the wild. We will duly honour both the forest staff and the elephants for their exceptional service,” she said.
Former forest officer Bimal Debnath welcomed the government’s initiative, emphasising that both elephants and their mahouts deserve recognition. “A good elephant is always guided by a good mahout. When we reward an elephant, we must also reward the person who guides and manages it,” he said.
The upcoming Forest Festival will feature a special ceremony where the Kumki elephants will be formally honoured. According to forest officials, the elephants will be treated to their favourite delicacies — sugarcane, bananas and jaggery — and given a day of rest. Their mahouts are also expected to receive financial incentives and possible increments.
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