TV
Fear gripped villagers in Odisha’s Banki region after an elephant strayed into farmland near Bhagipur, destroying crops, breaking fences and causing widespread panic. Residents of Bhagipur and Kuamada remained on edge as the animal created havoc on Thursday.
According to reports, two elephants from Sukasan forest in Athagarh attempted to cross the Mahanadi river on their way to Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary. While one elephant turned back upon facing the river’s strong current, the other remained trapped in the water for several hours before reaching the bank near Bhagipur late at night. It then entered farmland, damaged standing crops and broke fences.
Animal Strays After Failed River Crossing Attempt
The elephant reportedly returned to Bhagipur in the early hours of Thursday morning. On its return, it encountered a boundary wall and broke it down before damaging more crops in nearby areas. Locals watched in fear as the animal moved through farmlands, creating further disturbance.
Forest Team Drives Elephant Away From Settlement
Forest Department officials reached the site after receiving alerts about the elephant’s movements. The animal was successfully driven away from the human settlement area, and no injuries were reported. Officials are monitoring the area to prevent further incursions, said sources.
Encroachments Along Elephant Corridor to Be Blamed?
Sources added that the Mahanadi riverbank is a known elephant corridor. Despite this, people continue to build houses and firecracker godowns in these zones, disregarding government restrictions.
Such encroachments have led to frequent human-elephant conflicts, fuelled by both public negligence and administrative lapses.
