Elephants forcing Munda tribes to spend nights on trees

Subarnapur: Five families belonging to Munda tribe in Pudamala village under Ulunda tehsil of Sonepur district are forced to spend nights on tree houses (machan) to protect themselves from elephant attacks.

The tribes claimed that as soon as the sun sets, pachyderms stray into the village and damage thatched houses and household items and consume stored groceries. The tribes are living in a state of panic and have urged the district administration to provide some financial help.

“How will we sustain ourselves as elephants have destroyed all food grains and paddy?” said Gurubari Munda, a resident of Pudamala.

Ganesh Munda, another resident of the village stated, “We are living in a state of horror.”

“After sun sets, we climb up the trees with family and stay there overnight,” said Sajana Munda, another villager.

Villagers have demanded that the district administration should pay attention to the problems and make shelter arrangements for them at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Sulia Forester, Danardana Swain stated that the forest officials have assessed the situation.

“Once the villagers submit a written complaint, we will make arrangements to provide help as per government provisions,” he added.