The movement of multiple elephant herds has triggered panic in parts of the Champua range in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, with repeated incidents of damage to houses and crops reported over the past few days. The situation escalated on Saturday when an elephant entered Padmapur village under the Champua range and caused extensive damage, officials and locals said.

According to reports, the elephant broke doors of residential houses and destroyed both standing and stored crops in the village. The animal was also seen moving along the main road, triggering fear among residents. The incident is part of a series of elephant incursions reported from the Champua area in recent days.

Safety Concerns Raised

Videos circulating from the area showed villagers attempting to drive away the elephants by shouting and using burning torches. The risky attempts have raised serious concerns about the safety of both residents and the wildlife.

Officials have stressed the need for caution, as repeated human-elephant encounters increase the risk of injuries and fatalities, and highlight the need for better monitoring and preventive measures.

Repeated Incursions by Multiple Herds

Forest department sources said nearly four herds of elephants have been active in different parts of the Champua range. Two elephants reportedly entered the Champua range from the Mayurbhanj forest after crossing the Baitarani river.

These elephants later entered Padmapur village, damaged at least two houses and consumed stored paddy. They were seen leaving through Nandapur on Sunday morning before moving into the nearby forest areas.

In another incident, a herd of 12 elephants entered a farmer’s sugarcane field and destroyed crops. Separately, a group of six elephants was spotted in adjacent forest areas and is also reported to have caused damage.

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Meanwhile, another herd consisting of 17 elephants, which had been creating panic and damage in the area for several days, reportedly crossed the Baitarani river and moved back towards Mayurbhanj on Sunday, forest officials said.