Odisha villages in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj bear brunt of elephant rampage

A 29-member elephant herd has been moving through the Karanjia range in Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, entering villages, damaging crops, and creating panic among residents of more than 20 villages. The herd, which crossed the Deonadi river through Saharapada block, has camped in the forest near Badadeuli village.

Villagers have alleged that the elephants broke the fence of a house and destroyed a large quantity of paddy crop and a threshing floor. Traffic on the Karanjia–Chadei Bhol road was brought to a halt for some time due to the presence of the herd on Sunday.

The herd entered the Karanjia area on Saturday, spreading fear among villagers during the crop season. Despite abundant food in the forest during the monsoon, the elephants prefer to eat standing crops, which are easily accessible.

Herd Believed To Be From Jharkhand

According to reports, the elephants are believed to have come from Jharkhand. In previous years, the same herd has stayed in the area for extended periods due to the abundance of food and safety.

Reports indicate that the elephants have damaged nearly 100 houses and destroyed crops on about 15 acres of farmland in the surrounding villages.

Nuisance Continues In Patana Range

In Keonjhar district’s Patana range, a separate 31-member elephant herd has continued to cause extensive damage. The elephants have been breaking house doors, eating stored paddy and rice, and destroying acres of crops. When villagers attempted to drive them away, the herd reportedly tried to attack.

Residents, fearful for their safety, have demanded immediate action to drive the elephants out. However, forest officials say the large crowds gathering to see the elephants are hampering operations.

Crowd Interference And Human-Elephant Conflict

The forest department’s elephant squad is on high alert and is constantly monitoring the movement of both herds. Officials have reported that villagers are throwing stones at the elephants, making them aggressive, while forest teams attempt to shoo them away using loud music and microphones.

Officials have repeatedly urged villagers to avoid close contact with the herds and warned of the dangers, but many continue to ignore the advice, increasing the risk of human-elephant conflict.