Mumbai: The Kolhapur bench of the Bombay High Court has approved the capture of ‘Omkar,’ a wild elephant that strayed from its herd, and its temporary relocation to Vantara in Gujarat.

Justices M S Karnik and Ajit Kadethankar emphasized that the operation must be carried out with precautions to ensure Omkar is not harmed or traumatized. Vantara will oversee the elephant’s welfare and training, with minimal human interference.

The order followed a PIL by Rohit Kamble, who had raised concerns about Omkar entering human habitation after straying from its herd. Kamble had challenged the forest department’s plan to move Omkar to Vantara, arguing it was unsuitable for a wild elephant.

The forest department said Omkar, around 10 years old and roaming Sindhudurg and Kolhapur, posed a risk to itself and humans. Vantara’s Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust has agreed to temporarily shelter and train the elephant. The move will be temporary, pending recommendations from a Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee on Omkar’s long-term management.

The court noted that Omkar had previously caused damage and became aggressive, killing a man in Dodamarg in April. The bench also highlighted a recent “unfortunate and inhuman” incident in November when people hurled firecrackers at the elephant while it was bathing.

Highlighting the ecological importance of elephants, the HC said they are endangered and crucial for sustaining forest ecosystems. Given Omkar’s age, it must remain in a herd to socialize, and the transfer would only be temporary, the court stated.

The state forest department has been directed to submit a proposal on Omkar’s temporary relocation and long-term plan within three days. The committee will examine the matter and give recommendations within two weeks. DeshGujarat