Chhendipada: After a gap of a few days, a killer tusker has returned to its old habitat, striking terror and tension among the locals and the Forest officials here.
The villagers fear the tusker has a strong reason to return. It has killed 35 people in the last three years in Chhendipada forest range. In Chhendipada block alone, it has crushed at least 27 persons. The Forest department officials had tried to sedate the wild animal at least five times, but failed.
Saturday, the tusker was sighted in Kankurpal reserve forest. Forest officials informed people the animal had reached here from Deogarh through Tebud village of Patakmunda reserve forest. At the same time, the department has taken some precautionary measures to avoid loss of life and property.
The local residents have been asked to be extra careful while using Bahala Sahi-Kampsala, Bahala Sahi-Badaberena and Chhendipada-Changudia routes after evening. Forest officials have also warned the people through public address system not to venture into the forest without permission from the department.
When contacted, ranger Durgacharan Sahu said the Forest Department and the elephant squad were keeping a watch over the tusker’s movement. Brahmanabila, Changudia, Bahala Sahi, Badaberena and Campasala villagers have been advised to be more alert while going out after dusk.
Meanwhile, about 12 jumbos have unleashed a reign of terror in and around Marudhipa reserve forest. Farmers of Nuagaon, Dangapal, Bhaliasar, Jaripal, Kanaloi, Lunimati and Karnapal have alleged that these wild animals have damaged over 100 acres of paddy, banana, cashew and mango orchards. They called for steps to drive away the herd.
PNN
