Wild elephants have once again become a menace for locals and farmers in villages near forest areas in Ramakuppam mandal of Chittoor district. According to farmers, two elephants separated from their herd have been rampaging through villages, destroying crops at will for the past two weeks.
Damage to Orchards and Farmlands
The tuskers have damaged mango orchards in Naniyala, Jeedimakula Palli, Naniya Thanda, Narayanapuram Thanda, and other villages in Ramakuppam mandal and nearby areas over the last fortnight. Despite efforts by forest department staff to drive the elephants deeper into the woods, the animals have returned and continued their attacks on farmlands adjacent to the forest.
Forest Department Response
Forest officials have informed locals that 12 wild elephants, split into two herds, have been moving across reserve forests spanning Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka in recent weeks. Residents have been advised to travel in groups, especially during early morning and late evening hours, due to frequent elephant movements near Naniyala, Naniyala Thanda, and Jeedimakula Palli.
The situation remains tense as farmers fear further losses. The forest department is monitoring the herds and attempting to mitigate the conflict.
