Mumbai, Dec. 2 -- The relocation of conflict-associated elephant Omkar from Maharashtra's Konkan region has been paused after the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee (HPC) advised against his immediate transfer.
The male elephant will remain in the Sahyadri range pending a detailed scientific review.
The Maharashtra Forest Department had proposed shifting Omkar to the Vantara Elephant Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Gujarat.
The Bombay High Court's Kolhapur Bench had permitted the move only as an interim measure and made the decision conditional on the HPC's expert opinion.
In its December 1 order, the Bench recorded the committee's view that any decision involving Omkar must prioritise his welfare, dignity and long-te...