Boinda: Farmers living in Handapa and Bamur ranges in Angul district have lost their sleep over persistent elephants menace. Over last two months, the animals have wreaked havoc on paddy and vegetables in hectares of land, causing resentment among the locals.
According to reports, 15 panchayats under Handapa range are affected by elephant menace. “In last one month, elephants have damaged crops in 50 acres, 7000 cauliflowers, 3000 maize plants, and brinjals in five acres,” locals asserted.
They accused the forest department of doing little to contain the menace. The forest department has not taken any step to drive away the animals while locals have been driving them out with crackers and fire brands.
Meanwhile, two outfits including Jeeban Jibika Krushi Jami Surakhya Committee have called for agitation against the forest department September 22.
The affected farmers alleged that they have applied online for compensation, but the department is conducting no survey on the damage. The animals have damaged crops in 20 acres of land at Kadalimunda, Badibahal, Banapur, Bhojidihi, Bhandarimunda and Tusar under Bamur range.
Members of Jeeban Jibika Krushi Jami Surakhya Committee alleged that the forest department has allegedly failed to curb the jumbo mayhem that has been going on for a long time.
Though the members of the committees had apprised the Bamur range officials about the ongoing elephant mayhem in the region, the latter has not taken any effective step in scaring away the animals from the region.
Contacted, Athamallik DFO S Anand said that officials concerned have been asked to drive away the animals while affected farmers are told to apply online for compensation for their damage.
“The affected farmers will be identified through field survey and compensation will be provided to them,” he added.
PNN