Farmers in Athagarh are on edge as wild elephant herds continue to move through agricultural and forested areas. This has triggered fresh concern in the region. Tension escalated after a herd strayed into farmland and trampled crops, adding to the distress of local residents.

According to reports, a group of 17 elephants that had returned from Chandaka has now entered the Athagarh forest range. The herd is currently roaming inside the Subasi Reserve Forest in the Khuntuni forest area under the Athagarh range in Cuttack district of Odisha.

The Forest Department has intensified monitoring and is keeping a close watch on the herd’s movement. Officials are using drones to track the elephants and prevent further damage or conflict with villagers.

Second Herd Moves In From Kapilas Forest

In a separate development, a herd of 27 wild elephants was seen entering the Sankha Poi, Oradha, Bhogua and nearby forest areas from the Kapilas forest. The steady movement of elephant herds across these regions led to heightened anxiety among farmers, who fear further damage to their farmlands. The presence of multiple herds across different forest stretches has added to the challenges faced by both local communities and forest personnel.

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Efforts Under Way To Protect Farmland

With elephant activity increasing, the Forest Department is reportedly continuing its efforts to prevent the animals from entering agricultural fields. Officials have intensified monitoring and are working to guide the herds away from cultivated land, as reports suggest. The Department has reiterated that measures will remain in place to reduce the risk of crop damage and ensure the safety of both the elephants and farming communities.