Panic gripped several villages in Muniguda range of Rayagada district as wild elephants continued to stray into human settlements, destroying standing crops and properties, sources said on Wednesday.
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According to forest officials, an eight-member elephant herd damaged paddy and other crops in areas under the Ambadola section’s Raghubari beat, including Pidel Padar, Umber Khaliaguda, Kinjilua, Nanibuti, and Tikarpada.
Another herd of five elephants has been creating havoc for the past few days in Kesari beat areas such as Terimeri, Karkamarka, Odamaska, and Peramera. The animals are currently taking shelter in nearby jungles close to Punder, forest sources said.
The continuous raids by the herds have left villagers terrified and farmers devastated, as months of hard work and an entire season’s harvest have been lost. In Lelibadi village under Katak Hajaridadang panchayat, a group of three elephants reportedly destroyed a poultry farm and banana plantations.
Local farmers have demanded immediate compensation and effective measures to drive the elephants back to the forest. Meanwhile, the Forest Department has deployed teams and is working with residents to monitor and repel the pachyderms.
Meanwhile, the Ambadola forest ranger has assured that proper compensation will be provided to affected farmers after damage assessment.
“Two elephant herds, one comprising eight members and another comprising five members, have been roaming in the areas under the Ambadola section for the last 8-10 days. The eight-member herd has come from the Kandhamal side and is roaming in Tikarpada. The jumbos are destroying the crops in farmlands,” Ambadola forester Majhi Mahapatra said.
“Compensation money is being provided to the affected farmers for any crop loss as per the State government norms. When informed by local residents, our squad immediately visits the spot and drives the elephants away,” the forest official expressed.
Reported By: Ranjan Swain
