Panic gripped the Patna range area of Keonjhar district in Odisha as a large herd of wild elephants returned, causing significant destruction to property and farmland late on Monday night. The incident has reignited concerns over the growing human-elephant conflict in the region.
Path of Destruction Across Villages
The herd, consisting of 25 elephants including six tuskers, 11 females, and eight calves, entered the area from the neighbouring Champua range. They crossed the NH-49 near Dumurigoda village, forcing authorities to halt vehicular movement on the national highway intermittently for safety.
Their rampage began with trampling vegetable farms along their path. The elephants then targeted stored food and homes. In Kiapada village, they damaged three houses belonging to Bhagirtha Naik, Saudamini Mahanta, and Manguli Naik. The situation was similar in Khuntapada village, where two homes were damaged.
One of the most affected was Gadadhar Naik of Jharbeda, whose asbestos house was damaged. The pachyderms consumed rice stored in a room and ruined the vegetables in his garden. Later that night, the herd also damaged properties of Dibyalochana Munda and Kshetra Munda in Khuntapada, destroying household items.
Official Response and Ongoing Vigilance
The herd's decision to camp near the Kendeipasi Shani temple area heightened anxiety among local residents. Forest department officials have swiftly moved to address the crisis. B B Sardar, the Patna range officer, confirmed that elephant driving squads have been deployed to track the herd's movements.
"We are keeping a close watch on their movements to prevent further damage and alert local people earlier," stated Sardar. The strategy focuses on monitoring and gently driving the herd away from human settlements to minimise further conflict and ensure community safety.
Recurring Conflict and Crop Loss
The core of the incident revolves around substantial agricultural loss. The elephants consumed and destroyed huge quantities of ready paddy crops, a devastating blow to farmers reliant on the harvest. This incident underscores the persistent challenge of wildlife encroachment into human habitats, often driven by habitat loss and search for food.
While no human casualties were reported this time, the material and economic damage is severe. The event highlights the urgent need for sustainable, long-term solutions to mitigate human-elephant conflict in Odisha's Keonjhar district, balancing ecological conservation with the security of local livelihoods.
