Elephant rampage in Kishanganj broke many houses, trampled crops, people fled the village to save their lives. – ..

News India Live, Digital Desk: Kishanganj situated on India-Nepal border Dighalbank The menace of wild elephants in the block is not stopping. For the past few days, herds of elephants have been entering residential areas and not only damaging properties but also posing a threat to people’s lives.

Highlights of the event

Late night attack: The herd of elephants crossed the Budhi Kankai river and entered the villages on the Indian border. Amidst heavy rain and storm, elephants raided Suribhitta tribal hamlet and surrounding areas.

Damage to houses: The elephants demolished the walls of many kutcha and tin-roofed houses. The elephants gnawed the grains (paddy and rice) kept inside the houses and destroyed the rest of the goods.

Maize crop was ruined: The maize crop is about to be ready in the border areas, which has been completely destroyed by elephants by trampling it under their feet. Farmers have suffered losses worth lakhs due to this.

Migration of villagers: There was panic in the villages due to the sudden appearance of elephants. People are running away with their children and cattle towards safe places or tall concrete houses. Many families spent the night under the open sky or in neighboring villages.

Administration and forest department action

Elephant trackers deployed: The forest department has sent local ‘elephant trackers’ to monitor the elephants. However, due to bad weather and darkness, it takes a lot of effort to drive away the elephants.

Use of chilli: The DFO has advised villagers to burn chilli powder and smoke, a traditional method of keeping elephants away from settlements, to keep them away.

Compensation Assurance: The department has started preparing reports of damaged houses and crops so that the affected families can get government assistance.

Reason for frequent visit of elephants

According to experts, due to lack of food in the forests of Nepal and the maize season, elephants often cross the border and come to these areas of Bihar. Local people have been demanding for a long time to build an ‘Elephant Corridor’ in this area so that loss of life and property can be prevented.