Elephants Destroy Standing Crops in Gola, Farmers Demand Immediate Compensation

Gola: A herd of wild elephants caused widespread damage to standing crops in Korambe and Sutri villages under Gola block, leaving several farmers facing heavy losses. The incident has renewed concerns over the recurring menace of elephants in villages located near forest areas.

According to villagers, the elephants entered farmlands during the night, trampling and feeding on crops that were almost ready for harvest. Maize, bottle gourd and other crops belonging to Biru Mahto, Chander Mahto, Umesh Mahto, Sunil Mahto, Chaman Mahto, Jageshwar Mahto, Raju Mahto and Khirodhar Mahto were badly damaged.

The affected farmers said months of hard work were wiped out overnight, causing them significant financial hardship.

Farmer leader Uttam Kumar Kushwaha has demanded that the Forest Department immediately assess the damage and provide fair compensation to the affected cultivators. He said farmers living along the forest fringe suffer crop losses almost every year due to elephant raids and called for long-term measures to keep the animals away from agricultural fields and residential areas.

Local residents also expressed concern over the growing movement of elephant herds in the region, saying they are forced to spend sleepless nights guarding their fields out of fear of further crop destruction.