About 40 elephants reportedly destroy crops, property in Shahdol village

Terror in Semra as herd of 40 elephants destroys crops and property

SHAHDOL: A herd of about 40 elephants has been causing destruction in Semra village, Post Gohparu, for the past three days, damaging farmers’ standing paddy crop and property. The continued movement of the elephants has left villagers facing heavy financial losses and living under constant fear.

According to the account from the village, the elephants have been entering agricultural fields and destroying the boundary walls and fencing around them. Borewells have also been damaged. The elephants reportedly sat on the borewells, completely damaging the borewell points.

The situation has become more difficult because there has been no electricity in the village for the past three days. With the power supply disrupted and the elephant herd continuing to move through the area, villagers say they have been forced to live under the shadow of fear.

The villagers have questioned why the administration and the Forest Department are only monitoring the situation. They have also asked whether the department is waiting for a major loss of life or property before taking action.

The villagers said the DFO madam’s response was, “हम क्या ही कर सकते हैं?” They have questioned where they should turn for their safety and compensation for the losses if the Forest Department is also unable to fulfil its responsibility.

The presence of the elephants during the Diwali festival has added to the villagers’ distress. They have asked whether they should celebrate happiness at home or grieve over their damaged crops and property.

The administration and the Forest Department have been urged to take immediate and effective action to move the elephants safely away from the populated area and agricultural fields. The villagers have also demanded that electricity be restored and that a survey be conducted to assess the losses suffered by affected farmers, followed by appropriate compensation.

They have appealed to the authorities to treat the issue seriously and ensure the villagers’ safety in time, instead of waiting for a major accident before taking action.