Female elephant found dead in Satkosia forest

A female elephant was found dead in a forest under Karanjia forest range’s Satkosia zone, within the Bhaliadal Panchayat on Monday. According to the Forest Department, they had received information yesterday evening about the elephant’s illness. However, before treatment could begin today, the elephant died. The exact cause of death remains unclear.

On the other hand, elephant menace reportedly continues in the Karanjia forest division in Mayurbhanj district. As many as four houses have been destroyed and large areas of paddy crops have been damaged by elephant herds. After a brief gap, a herd of around 30 elephants has returned to the area, spreading fear across more than 30 villages.

Late last night, the 30-member herd moved from the Badadeuli forest to Badadeuli, Aga, Chauuthia, and Dibisahi villages, causing extensive damage to paddy fields. In Hatidandi village, a tusker broke into three houses and consumed stored rice. Similarly, in Andharjhari village, one house was demolished, with reports of significant crop loss. The elephants, while moving between areas, have trampled and destroyed vast stretches of paddy fields. 

Even while Forest Department employees are monitoring the elephants, the disturbances continue. Out of a herd of 30 elephants, a lone tusker has separated and entered villages, causing extensive damage, leaving residents in a state of fear.

While the herd was camping in the forests near Badadeuli village under Karanjia Range Yesterday, reports from the Forest Department indicate that the elephants have moved into the forests of Bagadafa, Mata, and Sanabadaposhi villages today.