An elephant herd sneaked into Mayurbhanj on Tuesday causing panic among villagers adjoining the Betanati forest in Mayurbhanj and Balasore. More than 80 jumbos had entered the region despite the presence of solar fencing and trenches to restrict the movement of elephants. Some villagers have fled from their houses.

Chandramohan Mahanta of Nanhanda village said: “We have been spending sleepless nights ever since we learnt about the tuskers’ arrival. We are lighting fire throughout the night to scare them away.”

Assistant conservator of forests B.B. Swain said: “The number could be more than 80. Despite our best efforts to prevent their entry, they manage to upset our plans. They have damaged the solar fences.” The herd is at Asanbani reserve forest, he said.

The elephants have also caused a lot of damage to the paddy fields. Balasore divisional forest officer Harsh Bardhan Udgata said: “We are keeping a watch on their movement.”

Text: Sibdas Kundu

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