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Dhenkanal: A herd of over 70 wild elephants has been reportedly creating havoc in Odasingha, Jahnapada and Damol villages under Parjang block of Dhenkanal district since last two weeks.
According to sources, the herd strayed into the villages and damaged properties and food items. The house of an old couple, Maguni Behera and Uttam Behera, has been damaged by the elephants. The pachyderms have even destroyed the food grains stored in the house.
"The elephants arrived at around 10 pm and carried away one rice and one paddy bag, after damaging the house. We were unable to escape as a tusker was standing in front of the door. I prayed to God to save us and climbed the wall to jump out of the house. After that I called my neighbours and came to rescue of my husband who was lying unconscious under the bed. Now we are staying in the shed. We are waiting for compensation which is our only option," said Uttam Behera.
The herd is also entering the fields and destroying crops. Locals alleged that despite informing the forest department about it, no action is being taken to ward off the elephants.
"I had cultivated vegetables and sugar cane crop that was destroyed by a herd of nearly 30 elephants. I had availed a loan for cultivation of the crops and spent Rs 6 lakh till date. I hope the government will take some step towards it. Forest officials are not taking any action even after repeated requests," said a villager Khyamanidhi Behera.
On the other hand, Kamakhyanagar sub-collector Kalpataru Behera said compensation will be provided to the affected people after a joint probe by the forest and revenue department.
"They will be provided with compensation as per government rules after a probe by forest and revenue department. We will consult with Parjang BDO to include the people, who have lost their houses, under any housing scheme of the government," said the Sub-Collector.
