Lone tusker sparks panic in Bonai, destroys crops and homes

A lone tusker has been creating panic in the Kuliposh Range of Bonai, raiding paddy fields by day and damaging houses by night. In search of food, the elephant regularly enters villages, feasting on standing crops and even stored rice from homes. 

Despite repeated efforts by the Forest Department to chase it back into the forest, the tusker continues to evade capture under the cover of darkness, extending its rampage.

Panic In G. Udayagiri

In another similar instance, panic gripped residents of G. Udayagiri town in Kandhamal district after a tusker strayed into the area on August 23. The lone elephant wandered through the lanes for several hours, moving dangerously close to houses. It eventually headed towards the nearby Gamuli forest on its own. Forest department officials later reached the spot and ensured the animal was driven away.

Herd Wreaks Havoc In Karanjia

In a separate incident, a herd of 30 elephants caused extensive damage, breaking four houses and destroying acres of paddy crop in the Karanjia forest range area. The menace has triggered fear in more than 30 villages. On August 11 night the herd from Badadeuli forest damaged paddy fields in Badadeuli, Nuagaon, Chauthia, and Dibisahi areas. 

In Hatidandi village, one tusker allegedly broke a house and ate stored rice and paddy, while in Andharjhuri village, another house was broken, and widespread damage has been reported. Farmers say the elephants, while moving through the area, trample standing crops and threshing floors, adding to their losses.

Rising Human–Elephant Encounters

Several deaths due to elephant attacks were also reported in recent days. Habitat loss and deforestation have raised human–elephant encounters.