Bangiriposi: Even as paddy crop is ripening, elephant menace has been a cause of concern for farmers in Bangiriposi area of Mayurbhanj district. The animals have been on a damaging spree, a report said.
A herd of 11 elephants unleashed a reign of terror in Balikhani and Kuabasar of Dhobishola panchayat. They have damaged paddy over 10 acres while people in Jhinkapahadi, Neturapat, Chaulaghori, Anlagunja and Shyamsundarpur villages have been spending sleepless nights for the last several days.
The animals have damaged four houses at Banakati village Thursday night.
Locals alleged that though the forest department is aware of the elephants, no step is being taken to drive away the animals.
Poor tribals have been living amid fears of attack from elephants, as the latter are held up near Bhuasuni village. They are trying their best to scare away the animals with torches and crackers, but it is ineffective.
“The animals again come back to the villages at night and cause mayhem,” locals lamented. The affected farmers demanded immediate step for assessment of the crop damage.
Bangiriposi range officer Shailendra Kumar Das said affected people are submitting applications claiming compensations for the damage. The forest department will carry out the damage assessment and then assistance will be provided to affected people, the ranger added.
PNN
