Sajanagad (Balasore): A herd of over 80 elephants from Jharkhand that entered Nilagiri range in Balasore has reportedly become more violent while people in some villages are leaving homes for their relatives’ houses to save their lives.
After going on a damaging spree in five panchayats around Gopalpur reserve forest over last three days, the animals have broken solar fencing at Bhaunriabada, Jadibali and Bayarsahi and entered Tinikosia reserve forest Thursday.
While people were left panicked over the marauding herd, the forest department has failed to contain the mayhem of the animals that are heading for habitations. As the elephants become rowdy, people living in eight panchayat including Budusahi, Bhauriabada, Jadibali, Kanchisimulia, Sataranda, Bhalukasuni, Ambajhar and Chekamara are living under constant fear of attack.
Some people have left their villages for elsewhere while some have built tree-top houses and taken shelter there at night to get temporary safety from violent elephants.
The elephants damaged four houses and killed a goat in Bhaunriabada panchayat late Tuesday night. The animals had left Asanabani forest Monday night and entered Gopalpur reserve forest after crossing Durgadevi, Pundala, Kathapal, Patna forests under Nilagiri range. They have damaged crops in the course of their movement.
Forest officials, members of Sabuja Bahini and police are tracking the elephants but have failed to contain the menace, it was alleged.
PNN
