Odisha villages on edge as elephant herd roams nearby

Villagers near the Nilagiri-Gopalpur forest are on high alert on Wednesday as a herd of more than 25 elephants has been spotted in the area in Balasore district. The herd includes several adult elephants with tusks as well as young calves, moving together in the forest, raising concerns among the locals.

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

Residents fear that the pachyderms may enter nearby villages while searching for food, especially since harvested paddy fields are lying exposed. The presence of the herd near human settlements has sparked anxiety about potential crop damage and human-elephant conflict.

The Forest Department has confirmed that they are closely monitoring the movements and behaviour of the elephants to prevent any untoward incident. Authorities advised villagers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions as the herd continues to roam near the forest fringes.

However, no comments were received from the Department officials in this regard.

Worth mentioning, earlier in another incident, a herd of 19 wild elephants had been causing widespread trouble in Athagarh forest region of Cuttack district, disturbing local farmers and threatening ripened crops.

The elephants were spotted on roads and in farmlands on December 2, creating fear among the residents.

With the paddy harvesting season underway, the pachyderms had entered areas such as Khuntuni and Athagarh ranges in search of food. The jumbos had crossed the road near Dalakhai Thakurani temple under Athagarh range and moved into Sukashan forest.

Forest Department teams had been trying to drive the jumbos back, with drones deployed to monitor the herd’s movements closely. Local authorities had continued their efforts to ensure the safety of the villages and farmlands in the region.