Balasore: A herd of wild elephants from Jharkhand has arrived in Nilagiri area in Balasore district, triggering fear and apprehension among the residents.
According to forest officials, the herd, comprising of 42 elephants including five tuskers and seven calves, has come from Dalma sanctuary in Jharkhand.
Entering through Mayurbhanj, the herd has now camped in Gopalpur reserve forest crossing Durgadevi, Sonnadi, Pundal, Kathapal, Patna and Ayodhya-Gopalpur road under Nilagiri range.
The pachyderms had destroyed paddy crops on vast stretches on their way.
In a bid to avoid man-elephant conflicts and resultant loss from both sides, following the direction of Balasore DFO Biswaraj Panda, a team comprising of Nilagiri ranger Manuar Khan, several forester guards and Sabuja Vahini is keeping a close watch on the movement of the herd.
As if this herd was not enough, another herd is said to be heading towards Nilagiri. Apprehending danger, the people living in forested areas are spending sleepless nights.
When contacted, ranger Khan said as another herd of jumbos is heading towards Nilagiri they are yet to decide as to what steps to be taken. “We will take steps after getting a clear picture of the second herd’s movement,” he added.
PNN
