Champua: Even as elephants have been on a damaging spree in various parts in Champua of Keonjhar, many affected farmers have voiced their displeasure over delay in paying compensation. And in some cases, the compensation amounts is comparatively much inadequate to the extent of crop damage, they lamented.
In Champua area, affected farmers said that they had applied for compensation for along them, but nothing was provided to them till date.
They pointed out that the government has provision to compensate the crop loss as per right assessment of the damage. Affected farmers have to furnish their photographs, photocopies of their land documents and applications at the forest offices.
As per existing guidelines, Rs 10,000 per acre is paid to farmers having lost paddy and vegetables and the compensation amout is Rs 12,000 per acre in case of oil seeds loss.
Hectares of paddy and vegetables were damaged by elephants in Sunapasi, Jamudalak, Kodagadia, Rajia, Kalikaprasad and Champua NAC under Champua range this year.
The animals also damaged paddy, cabbages, maize cultivation and sweet potatoes in Patana of Phuljhar panchayat under Bansapal block recently.
They have reportedly damaged several houses in the area as well in the last few months even as poor tribals have been living amid fears of attack from elephants.
“We raised crops by taking loans from banks and private money lenders. Now, crops were damaged; we are worried how to recoup the loss and pay the loans.” One of the affected farmer said to PNN.
They demanded immediate step for assessment of the crop damage.
The affected farmers had applied for compensation about five months ago, but they have not got their compensation.
Puspalata Mohant, Jatri Mohant, Anjan Mohant, Mahendra Mohant, Bahadur Mohant and Satyananda Mohant among the affected farmers who have been awaiting compensation.
Champua forest Ranjit Jena said that farmer delay submitting their applications.
“As soon as the applications are here, we will immediately forward them to the district office for processing. We will dispense with the compensation only after the district office provides the money,” Jena.
PNN