Gola: A herd of wild elephants entered agricultural fields in Korambe and Sutri villages under the forest area of Gola block, damaging standing crops and leaving farmers distressed. The incident has triggered fresh demands for compensation and stronger measures to prevent recurring human-elephant conflict.
According to local farmers, the elephants trampled and fed on crops, destroying months of hard work in a single night. Maize, bottle gourd and other crops grown by Biru Mahto, Chander Mahto, Umesh Mahto, Sunil Mahto, Chaman Mahto, Jageshwar Mahto, Raju Mahto and Khirodhar Mahto were among those severely damaged.
The affected farmers said their crops were nearing harvest when the elephant herd entered the fields and caused extensive losses.
Farmer leader Uttam Kumar Kushwaha has urged the Forest Department to conduct an immediate survey of the damaged fields and provide adequate compensation to the affected farmers. He said villages located near forest areas continue to face repeated elephant attacks every year, resulting in significant financial losses for farming families.
Kushwaha also called on the department to implement permanent and effective measures to prevent elephants from entering residential and agricultural areas.
Residents said the frequent movement of wild elephants has created an atmosphere of fear in the region, forcing villagers to stay awake through the night to guard their fields from further damage.