One Tulasi Pradhan, an old widow of Kantiagada village under Ganjam block, was crushed to death in the early hours on Friday by an elephant.
Social worker and former chairman of Ganjam block Surath Pahan alleged that during last five years at least five persons, including two in lauputu village and one each in Bahadapalli, Biruligada and Rambha villages under Ganjam Tehsil were killed due to sheer negligence of the State and the district administrations.
Pahan further alleged that several vegetable crops such as banana, brinjal, ladyfinger and such other crops over hundreds of acres of land worth crores of rupees were damaged by the wild elephants moving in the area and the State Government failed to protect the priceless human lives as well as the crops.
Pahan attributed the rising man-animal conflict in the area to rapid deforestation, indiscriminate mining and drying out of water springs. He said these factors are forcing the elephants to stray into human habitations.
He also demanded that the Government should pay adequate compensation to the families of the deceased and the victim farmers, who suffered extensive crop damages. He urged the district administration to immediately pay compensation to the family of deceased Pradhan. Pahan also urged the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) to take suo motto cognizance of such unfortunate incidents so as to protect precious human lives and properties from the recurring jumbo menace.