A wild elephant strayed into agricultural fields in Erode district, causing alarm among farmers and damaging valuable crops. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, highlighting the persistent issue of human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Midnight Raid on Ready-to-Harvest Crops
The lone elephant emerged from the Thalaimalai forest range and entered the farmlands of Mavanatham village. It targeted fields of ragi (finger millet), a staple crop that was ready for harvest. According to local farmers, the animal began feeding on the crops, leading to immediate concerns about significant agricultural loss.
Farmers Forced to Take Matters Into Their Own Hands
Upon spotting the elephant, the farmers promptly alerted the forest department officials. However, when the forest field staff did not arrive at the scene quickly, the farmers felt compelled to act independently to protect their livelihood.
"We were forced to chase the elephant away into the forest ourselves by bursting firecrackers to save the crops," explained one of the affected farmers. This direct action by the community successfully drove the animal back into the forest, preventing further damage.
A Recurring Nightmare Demands Permanent Solution
Farmers in the area, who primarily cultivate maize and ragi, revealed that such incidents are not isolated. Elephants straying onto farmlands and damaging standing crops is a regular occurrence, particularly at night. To guard their produce, many farmers often stay overnight in their fields—a testament to the constant threat they face.
The community has expressed frustration over the recurring nature of these conflicts. They have urgently appealed to the forest officers to find a permanent and effective solution to prevent wildlife from entering agricultural zones, ensuring the safety of both their crops and the animals.
This event underscores the growing tension between agricultural communities and wildlife conservation in forest-adjacent areas, calling for more proactive measures and timely intervention from authorities.
