Jumbos From Jharkhand Wreak Havoc In Odisha's Nilagiri

Balasore: The human-elephant conflict seems to getting worse in Balasore's Nilagiri forest range as locals continue to witness destruction of crops in acres of land. Reason, a herd of over 40 elephants has been wreaking havoc in the area for the last one week.

According to sources, the pachyderms from Dalma forest in Jharkhand entered Nilagiri forest range last week, then ventured into the Gopalpur forest range and destroyed paddy fields and vegetable farming in the periphery of the forest.

The panic-struck villagers are spending sleepless nights to keep themselves and their farmlands safe from the marauding elephants.

“A herd of around 45 elephants damaged our crops last night and went back to the forests in the wee hours. The mammals are staying put in the forest in the morning and entering villages only during evening. The forest officials are yet to reach the spot,” said Guru Prasad Singh, a farmer.

However, forest officials said they are alert and fully prepared to help the people deal with the jumbo menace.

“Forest guards and members of Sabhuja Bahini are keeping a close watch on the movement of the elephants and all measures are being taken to prevent them from entering human habitations,” said a forest official.

Few days back a herd of wild elephants had left the people of Athagarh area in a state of panic and adversely affected the road communication due to frequent obstruction of National Highways and Railway tracks. Gurudijhatia Matsyapur Railway track and National Highway near Bali were brought to a jumbo halt as a herd of pachyderms was found crossing the path dangerously.

Similarly, a herd of marauding elephants had caused enormous damage to property as well as crops at Chanchabani village under Karanjia forest range of Mayurbhanj district a few days ago.

(Edited by Devbrat Patnaik)