Keonjhar: A herd of 18 elephants that strayed near a canal in Bhatunia village, under the Sadar forest range in Keonjhar district, a day ago, has destroyed several acres of vegetable crops in the area, a report said.
The presence of the giants has sparked panic among the residents in the area. They said they have been spending sleepless nights as the chances of wild attack loom large.
Sources said that the herd, including calves, moved from the Ambadahara area to Tikarapada village Saturday evening. The elephants later crossed a railway line and reached a mango orchard in Bhandanalisahi, further alarming the residents living in the vicinity.
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In an effort to protect their crops, farmers from Tikarapada, Kudiaghara, Mahadeijoda, Kadgarh, Bhatunia, Narsinghpur and Kenduposhi villages joined Forest personnel and hundreds of locals to drive the elephants away.
On Sunday morning, the herd was spotted bathing in the canal, drawing large crowds of onlookers. Farmers alleged that the elephants trampled and destroyed several acres of vegetable fields while feeding on various crops in the area.
Although the Forest department has been monitoring the movement of the herd, officials said they plan to drive the elephants back into the forest at the earliest.
Meanwhile, residents have demanded immediate government assistance for those affected by crop loss. While many villagers are trying to protect their fields and property, officials say some individuals are unnecessarily disturbing the elephants, causing the animals to become agitated and wander unpredictably.
There is also a concern that people approaching the elephants for selfies or photographs may provoke attacks. Forest officials have urged the public to maintain a safe distance from the animals.
“We are making people aware not to go near the elephants,” said Ajit Das, range officer of the Sadar forest range, adding, “Compensation will be provided for any damage.”
PNN
