Jamshedpur: A big herd of around 40 elephants damaged paddy and vegetables at Mach-adiha village under Jamua panchayat in Chakulia block in East Singhbhum, around 85km from Jamshedpur, on Friday.

The herd entered Machadiha village after crossing Manaspuria along Bengal border around 5.30am. The elephants entered the farms outside the village and went on a damaging spree. Villagers helplessly watched the herd even though some youths tried to ward off the jumbos, including some tuskers.

The herd later proceeded to Raja Bhasa jungles near Machadih.

Chakulia range officer Raj Narayan Sharma said over phone that herds of elephants had put anchor at Chakulia for over a month. "Paddy and vegetables have been damaged and compensation will be given to villagers whose crops have been damaged. Compensation will be paid after ascertaining the damage caused and verifying the land papers," he added.

The range officer said a team had been sent to chase away the herd, currently stationed near Raja Bhasa jungles.

Badrai Mardi, a member of Jamua pachayat, said the villagers were frightened after the elephants entered the farm. "Luckily no one suffered injuries. People ran helter-skelter at the sight of the jumbos. We informed the range office after which a team reached to chase away the herd," he added.

According to him, Chakulia, Bahragora and Ghatshila have borne the maximum brunt of jumbos.

and steps must be taken to curb the menace. "Even though it's difficult to stop the elephants but something needs to be done for the safety of villagers, their crops and properties," said Badrai, adding villagers were on high alert as the elephants were not very far away from Machadiha village.