Elephant rescued from well after 14-hour struggle in Tamil Nadu

An elephant in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri, which had fallen into a 50-feet open well, was rescued after a 14-hour struggle. The elephant was lifted to the surface with the help of a heavy-duty crane. The safe rescue of the elephant earned the authorities the praise of people and animal lovers.

Dharmapuri (TN):After rescue efforts that stretched to about 14 hours, a sub-adult elephant that fell into a 50-feet open farm well near here was safely rescued on Thursday, forest officials here said.

The cow elephant, aged about eight, fell into the well at Yelugundur village near Panchampalli here in the wee hours of today and local people immediately alerted the authorities.

The elephant, stuck inside the almost dry, deep well was rescued after a 14-hour struggle involving personnel drawn from forest and fire and rescue services department.

The pachyderm, after tranquillisation twice, was tied to a heavy-duty crane on the ground using rope-like, robust belts and then it was lifted to the surface level to all-round applause.

The elephant was being monitored and all necessary 'attention' given, officials said.

As soon as word about the elephant falling into the well spread, local people gathered around the spot and the animal appeared agitated and it trumpeted.

The safe rescue of the elephant earned the authorities the praise of people and animal lovers.

PTI