Acres of paddy, sugarcane destroyed: Athagarh farmers panic as elephants move deeper into fields

Elephant depredation has once again triggered panic among villagers in Athagarh Forest Division, with multiple incidents reported from Badamba and Narasinghpur ranges. Farmers allege that a herd of elephants has been regularly entering their agricultural fields, destroying vast patches of standing paddy and sugarcane crops at a time when the harvesting season is underway.

According to locals, despite repeated complaints, on-ground support from the Forest Department has been inadequate. Although the department claims to have deployed elephant trackers, forest guards, foresters, and watchers to keep the animals away from human settlements, villagers say that these measures remain mostly on paper.

They allege that officials rarely arrive on time and often avoid direct engagement when the elephants enter farmlands.

Also Read: Herd of 19 elephants creates panic in Athagarh; crops damaged across villages

“At least 5–6 elephants have wreaked havoc. No forester or forest guard is bothered about us. We had asked for a truck, but they denied it. The pachyderms have destroyed our sugarcane and paddy and even broken our huts. How can I fight these huge mammals alone? They will kill our children and us,” said Binod Pradhan, a distressed farmer. 

He further claimed that compensation procedures remain slow and unhelpful. 

“We had applied for compensation, but no one came here. Even if someone comes here, they give us a mere ₹200–500,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, Forest Department officials stated that they visited the affected areas after receiving reports and are monitoring the movement of the herd. However, villagers continue to demand stronger protection measures, quicker response teams, and a transparent compensation system.