Sidda is now standing in the structure with the support of belts.
The slow but dedicated treatment of an injured wild elephant called Sidda is continuing near the Manchanabele Reservoir, about 30 km from Bengaluru.
Sidda was rescued from the reservoir where he had taken refuge for over 40 days to soothe the pain in his injured leg and is now back on his feet thanks to the Army.
The NGO treating Sidda had sought the Army's help after the wild elephant did not seem to respond to treatment and spent his days lying down and not eating.
The Army then built a metal structure and with the help of belts were able to lift the elephant to his feet.
Lt Col P Ravi, who is the Army officer in-charge of the operation, said: "The Indian Army is always willing to assist civilians. But this was a unique request. Till date, we have been saving human lives, this is the first time we are helping a wild animal. The challenge was to get the 4 tonne wild animal to stand upright. It was even more complex as it could react violently if the pain was aggravated. To protect both the veterinarians and Sidda, we constructed the safety tower, with material used for constructing bridges in mountains."
The metal structure is 20 feet long and 15 feet high and took almost 30 hours to build.
NGO Wildlife SOS veterinarian Dr Arun, who has been treating Sidda, said: "The elephant has the will power and we really want to capitalize on that. And if he survives, it will definitely be a reward for everybody's effort and hard work."
For now, Sidda continues to stand and fight for his health - with a little help from his friends.