Keonjhar: Panic prevailed among locals of Palaspanga under Sadar range in Keonjhar district on Saturday after a herd of 30 wild elephants went on the rampage, destroying standing crop in the region.
The elephants entered the human settlements at Madhupur, Kalasi, Kunjuradihi and Silisuan villages and damaged crops cultivated on acres of agricultural land.
On receiving information, a team of forest department officials combed the area, but could not trace the elephants. However, they have intensified operations to drive the animals away from the human habitations.
“Movement of elephants has been reported in the region from the past few months. It seems that the forest personnel have failed to prevent entry of the elephants into the villages and agricultural fields,” a villager said.
On September 27, a herd of 22 elephants had entered Solagada village under Champua range in the district and damaged several houses and standing crop.
The elephants also destroyed crops on agricultural fields at Nengadaghara and Jamundalia villages in the district.
The villagers urged the forest officials to take immediate steps to drive the wild animals away from the villages.
