Khordha: Farmers in Wilkinson Nagar, popularly known as Saheb Nuagaon, under Khordha tehsil, are worried after two elephants entered agricultural fields and damaged standing paddy crops. Farmers expressed resentment over the absence of Forest Department officials at the spot.
As the area lies at the junction of two Assembly constituencies, two forest divisions and two police station jurisdictions, residents are reportedly confused over which authority should respond during elephant incursions. The farmers have urged the department to deploy personnel immediately, safely drive away the elephants and assess crop damage for compensation. After a prolonged gap, elephant herds have again started moving towards human settlements from the Chandaka forests.