TV
Panic gripped Ichhapada village under Muribahal Forest Range in Bolangir district after a massive herd of nearly 60 elephants was spotted roaming near farmlands.
According to reports, the elephants entered the agricultural fields late Saturday night, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Vast stretches of paddy and cotton fields have been extensively damaged, pushing villagers into despair.
With such a large number of elephants moving around, residents are too frightened to step out of their homes. Villagers allege that Forest Department officials are yet to reach the spot or initiate measures to drive away the herd, sparking widespread resentment.
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“The elephants have destroyed all the paddy crops. What will we do now? They have also damaged cotton farming,” lamented Bir Bhue, a local farmer.
“Around 50 to 60 elephants have entered our village and destroyed standing crops. People are terrified and even scared to visit their farmlands. The Forest Department must act quickly and drive them away,” said another villager, Chintamani Behera.
Meanwhile, in Sundargarh district, a herd of five elephants wreaked havoc at Deo village under the Panposh Forest Range in Rourkela. The animals strayed into the Dehuri slum on Saturday night, damaging several houses and trees. Panic spread as residents rushed to escape, during which one person sustained injuries.
Forest Department officials later reached the spot and began efforts to chase the elephants back into the forest.
