Nagaon (Assam), 12 September (HS): A herd of around 15 wild elephants entered the under-construction Tata Semiconductor manufacturing facility at Jagiroad in Assam, prompting the immediate evacuation of workers from the project site as a precautionary measure.

The elephants wandered into the sprawling construction area, creating a tense situation at the site. Workers were safely moved away from the affected area to prevent any possible confrontation with the animals. Following the incident, officials of the Forest Department rushed to the location and initiated efforts to guide the elephant herd back towards the surrounding forest areas.

The presence of wild elephants poses a particular challenge for the high-precision semiconductor project. Elephant movements can generate ground vibrations, which could potentially affect the nanometre-scale precision required in semiconductor manufacturing operations.

To address the wildlife-related challenges, the project has incorporated sturdy elephant-proof perimeter barriers with support from the Assam government. The facility has also encountered other wildlife-related issues, including the presence of snakes, for which professional rescuers have been deployed.

The incident highlights the challenges of developing major industrial infrastructure in areas that remain part of traditional wildlife movement corridors.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash