Keonjhar: The man-elephant conflict in Keonjhar district is over three decades old. Despite all efforts, the problem, instead of showing any signs of relenting, is growing by the day. Very rarely there is a day when news of man-elephant conflict is not heard.
The fight for survival however, is causing harm to both human beings and the pachyderms. The man-elephant conflict has claimed many lives of jumbos and human beings in the last two years. During this period 13 elephants have been killed while 15 people have lost their lives due to pachyderm attacks. A total of 92 people have suffered serious, disabling injuries.
According to the information available, nine people were killed and 38 injured in elephant attacks in the year 2019-20 (April to March). During the same period six jumbos died due to various human-inflicted reasons. The marauding elephant herds damaged 315 houses and destroyed 904.71 acres of crops. A total of 3,581 people were affected by the elephant mence.
In 2020-21, the conflict has claimed six and seven lives of human beings and pachyderms respectively. During this period, the elephants caused damage to 139 houses and destroyed 836.49 acres of standing crops. This was the year when Covid-19 pandemic broke out and left people struggling for their livelihood. And, during this period, the menace affected 3,859 persons.
The animal lovers and environmentalists in the district have expressed concern over the ever-growing problem of man-elephant conflict.
Pointing out many reasons like damage of elephant corridors, destruction of their natural habitats, mindless felling of trees etc that have given rise to the menace, local people have urged the Forest department to come up with some permanent solutions to save both the species.
