Baripada: Despite trenches and solar fencing, a large contingent of jumbos has strayed into Mayurbhanj district. The pachyderms are causing massive damages to mud houses and standing crops.

According to a wildlife source, the elephants damaged about 15 houses and hundreds of acres of agricultural field. The departmental source said two horses had been deployed on the border under Rasgobindapur forest range to prevent their entry to human habitations. Baripada divisional forest officer Swayam Malik said: "The horses were deployed on the border under Deuli range to prevent to entry of elephants to Baripada town via Kaliasolo. We have been successful in the move."

Malik further said: "The jumbos don't like the odour and neigh of the horses. They act as repellent for the elephants. We will be keeping the horses for two months." In 2014, a herd of elephants had crossed the inter-state border via Deuli and entered Baripada town from Bengal and caused panic in the area.

Ninety-three elephants entered Dulki reserve forest under Betnati range crossing Rasgobindapur forest range on Sunday morning.

Deuli range officer Rabinaryan Mohanty said: "Eighteen elephants, which sneaked into our territory on Saturday were sent back. A close vigil is maintained on their movement as they might stray again."

Betnati range officer, Saroj Mohany, said: "The herds which were in two groups now assembled in Dulki forest. Their number is 93. They are damaging the crops at the fields." Baripada divisional forest officer Malik said: "The forest staff members and protection assistants of all five ranges of our division have been put on alert.."