Champua: A herd of 32 elephants from Jharkhand, which went on a damaging spree for 28 days in Mirigisinga, Satahalia and Mukundapur under Champua block of Keonjhar district, was driven back home. However, the animals damaged maize cultivation in five acres and damaged houses, on their way back home.
The affected farmers expressed their displeasure over lack of preventive measures against the marauding animals though the forest officials used to track them.
Another herd of elephants tried to cross a river and enter Champua range in the same area. The forest department explained that it used to face the problem in driving the animals out as they were changing their course frequently. Forest officials have taken steps to prevent their entry. The officials have camped near a rubber plantation in Mayurbhanj borders.
Locals alleged that the forest department every year assesses the extent of damage, but has invariably failed to prevent the entry of animals from Jharkhand. In some cases, the squads engaged to drive out elephants used to face the wrath of local people. PNN