Keonjhar: Villagers under Champua forest range in Keonjhar district are spending sleepless nights after a herd of wild elephant wreaked havoc in the area since last three days.
According to sources, the herd has destroyed standing crop.
“We are living in fear. The jumbos can attack our houses anytime. They have already destroyed crop cultivated over acres of farmland”, said a villager.
The pachyderms have also been on rampage in Mankadachua, Kulachuda, Fakirapur, Khelora and Suluguda villages in the district.
Earlier, a herd comprising of 30 wild elephants went on rampage and destroyed standing crops at Palaspanga under Sadar range.
The elephants sneaked into the human settlements at Madhupur, Kunjuradihi, Kalasi and Silisuan villages and damaged crops cultivated over acres of agricultural land.
“Movement of elephants has been reported in the region from the past few months. It seems that the forest personnel have failed to prevent entry of the elephants into the villages and agricultural fields,” a villager said.
There has been an increase in wild animal attacks in Keonjhar. The locals have also been demanding security and compensation of their crop loss and house damages in such cases.
PNN