A herd of at least six elephants has been wreaking havoc in the Nilgiri area in the district.
Nilgiri Forest Range Officer Sukumar Das, admitting the fact, informed, "The six elephants in the herd include a tusker, females and calves. They are currently residing in Tinkosia reserve forests along the Nilgiri and Kaptipada State Highway.
On Saturday last, two of them strayed into village patches and raided crop fields. However, they have not damaged any dwelling house. A strict vigil is maintained on their movements by our force and volunteers."
He also urged the residents not to disturb or harm them as elephants are national assets.Besides, he told, the victims are entitled to get Rs 10,000 compensation per acre for field damage after joint inquiry. The only thing is one has to furnish land patta and Aadhar card, he said.
He further informed that all possible measures are taken to combat the menace.
It may be noted that Nilgiri block having dense forests is vulnerable to elephants’ invasions. Every year, at least twice a large number of jumbos sneak into the area from the Dalma sanctuary after crossing Mayurbhanj in search of foods. They primarily stray during November and December period, coinciding with the paddy harvesting period.