Taking into consideration the threatening situations of taking selfies with animals under National Elephant Census, the volunteers have been informed not to use smartphones when surrounded with animals. The forest department is thrilled with the overwhelming response it has received for the National Elephant Census more than 500 people have volunteered to participate in the exercise.

In a bid to prevent any untoward incidents during the census exercise, the forest department has imposed strict restrictions on the use of smart phones in the woods. As per a report published in The Times of India, Chief conservator of forests (project elephant) Dilip Kumar Das said “I appreciate the enthusiasm among citizens for the project. At the same time, ensuring safety of these volunteers and our forest staff is as important to us as the exercise itself. One must be extremely vigilant in the woods. A short moment of negligence can lead to a hazardous situation. Volunteers will not be allowed to use smartphones or cameras to take selfies or photographs whenever and wherever they want.”

While most of them already know about the rules those who are participating for the first time are made aware of the threat or the danger of first-time volunteers getting too close to the animal, leading to a conflict-like situation. 

The volunteers will be carrying out the census, along with about 100 foresters. The census operation entails a four-day stay in the forest. Das said, “They will not be allowed to carry their smartphones during this time. We'll allow them to take photographs on the last day of the operation, when a waterhole count of the elephants will be conducted.” 

Adding to this, director of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, T Heeralal  is contemplating banning volunteers from carrying smartphones inside the forest. “We want them to be serious about the exercise. So, we may keep their smartphones in the head office, and hand it over to them once they are back. Those really interested in the operation will understand what our intentions are.” he added.