Five families of Pudamal village under Ullunda forest range in Subarnapur district, frightened by presence of rampaging elephants, are now spending nights on the branches of trees.
The elephant herd has damaged houses and food grains of these families. For the last five days, it has been a regular affair that the pachyderms return to the village as the Sun sets and the panic-stricken Munda families, including women and children, climb up the trees and spend nights there. The families have urged the district administration for all support so that they can lead a normal life.
Gurubari Munda, an elderly woman, lamented that she along with her family members have been spending nights on branches of a tree apprehending attack from elephants. “We can’t live on trees. The Government should provide pucca houses,” she demanded.
Similarly, Ganesh Munda, another affected person, demanded that forest officials should drive out the elephants deep into the jungle soon.
While contacted, Ullunda Forest Range Officer Shiba Prasad Naik said that he was aware of the plight of the families and planning to help the families.