Elephant incursions in Digapahandi villages destroy paddy crops, residents live in fear

Human settlements have increasingly become elephant zones in Ganjam’s Digapahandi as wild jumbos venture into human habitats, leaving villagers in helpless condition. Due to scarcity of food and drinking water in the forest, elephants are now moving into village areas. 

Under the Digapahandi Range Patpur Section in Ganjam district, elephant incursions have been reported in the agricultural lands of Harina, Sunakhandi, and Adigandapur villages. The invasions have caused extensive damage. As a result, paddy crops have been destroyed acre by acre. Farmers are witnessing significant losses as their harvests are ruined by the wild animals.

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Local residents are living in a state of fear due to the frequent elephant appearances in their settlements. The situation has created widespread anxiety among villagers, who are uncertain about their safety and the security of their livelihoods.

While the forest department has been alerted about the situation, efforts to provide protection to the farmers have reportedly failed so far. Authorities are yet to implement effective measures to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of both humans and elephants in the region.

The ongoing conflict between wildlife needs and human habitation highlights the urgent need for coordinated intervention to manage elephant movement and safeguard locals in the area.