Jhumpura: Elephant menace remains a major concern for farmers in Bamebari and Balibandh forests under Champua range in Keonjhar district.
The pachyderms have taken away the sleep of the farmers. Crops in large tracts of farmland were destroyed by the animals.
Affected farmers have been thronging the forest range office on a daily basis with complaints of crop damage. They have sought immediate assessment of the damage and compensation.
Locals alleged that a herd of 12 elephants has been damaging crops and plants at Basantpur and Kaijoda for the last two days.
The animals had caused extensive damage in Jaypur, Naupani, Hatidari, Chimpinda, Bamandiha, Kaliapal, Basantpur, Rugudisahi, Naibuga and Dhanurjaypur a few weeks ago.
The locals voiced their unhappiness and concern over crop damage. With crops ripening, some have even started reaping sort-term crops to save them from elephants.
For the last few days, the animals have been staying in the forest in the day time and coming out at nights to eat paddy and trample standing crop.
Bamebari forester Jatindra Sahu said reports of crop damage are being forwarded to the range office in a phased manner while efforts are being made to drive away the pachyderms.
PNN