Shikharchandi shrine closed after elephants spotted on Hill

Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty):
The Shikharchandi shrine in Bhubaneswar has been temporarily closed after two tusker elephants were spotted roaming the Shikharchandi hill area, officials said on Saturday.

According to the Forest Department, the elephants have been moving around the hill for the past five days. 

In view of public safety, authorities decided to restrict public access to the shrine until the animals leave the area.

As a precautionary measure, the department locked the main entrance gate of the temple. 

The closure comes at a time when a large number of devotees and tourists visit the shrine during the ongoing tourist season and the New Year.

The Infocity Police Station has been informed, and officials are keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure the safety of visitors.