Keonjhar: Elephants unleashed a reign of terror in several villages under Bhuyan and Juanga Pidhi range in Keonjhar. With the animals on a damaging spree, locals were panicked. Three families have reportedly left their houses and taken shelters at other’s houses.
They also alleged that fair compensation was not being provided to the affected. For lack compensation, poor tribals are unable to repair their damaged houses.
Three people who have left their villages are Saunti Munda, Mangal Munda and Drupati Patra.
Notably, a herd of elephants strayed into the range August 12 and damaged houses at Kandakala village. Saunti Munda’s house was damaged too. She has seven children. Till date, she has not rebuilt her house.
She has taken shelter in her neighbour Laxman Munda’s house and been eking out her living by tending cattle.
As people in the area have been spending sleepless nights for the last few days, another resident Mangal Munda left the village and stayed at Kushakla village where he tends cattle.
Mangal was critically wounded when wall collapsed on him during elephant rampage. He has been leading a difficult life.
Elephants also damaged the house of widow Drupati Patra, who has taken shelter at her neighbour Bhisma Patra’s house.
All the three have not yet received the compensation for the damage.
Social activist Panchanan Khamania said, “There is provision of immediate compensation and housing units or repair cost to the affected people but they are deprived of their entitlements.”
Locals demanded the forest department to provide immediate help to the affected people.
PNN
