Keonjhar: A herd of 23 elephants wreaked havoc in Chemana village of Keonjhar district Thursday night. The wild herd strayed into the village and destroyed acres of paddy and vegetable cultivation.
Apparently, the herd, in search of food, strayed into human settlement after crossing the Baitarani River from Pahadabhanga area of Mayurbhanj district.
Many houses were also damaged by the wild herd. However, no casualty has been reported so far. The forest officials have been making efforts to chase the herd away.
“The herd, including two female elephants, has been moving in the eucalyptus forest near the village. We have not slept last night due to the movement of the elephants. The forest officials should take immediate steps to drive the animals away to distant jungles,” a panic-stricken villager said.
Rampaging elephants have become a serious cause for concern in the village and nearby areas of the district.
“We demand that the forest department should take concrete steps to prevent elephants from entering into human habitation,” the villager added.
PNN
