The herd at Jhirpani near Rourkela on Thursday. Picture by Uttam Kumar Pal

Rourkela, Sept. 13: Ten elephants entered a farm at Gadadiha, around 3km from here, last night and destroyed crops.

“The herd entered my farm last night. The maize, cauliflower and other crops have totally been destroyed. The elephants have also trampled the irrigation pipes laid in my fields,” said former Birsa zilla parishad member Letha Tirkey.

The herd consists of one male, two calves and seven adult females.

Forest officials are at the spot and keeping a close watch on the elephants. They said they would chase the herd into the forest once night fell.

The herd had been roaming in the area over the past few months and crossed the Koel river after being chased by residents of Kacharu, Riun and other adjoining villages last night and entered Jamsera. The animals were again chased away from there last night.

“We have deployed our men to divert the animals to the other side of the river,” said divisional forest officer Sanjit Kumar, adding that the losses incurred by the residents would be calculated and they would be paid compensation following the government norms.

The villagers of the area are living in fear. “Unless the herd is chased away from the area, we won’t be able to sleep in peace,” said villager Sukulal Lakra.