THE forests of Raigarh district in Chhattisgarh have become a temporary home to a group of 72 elephants, who are currently roaming separately in the area. However, their presence is causing concern among local residents as these elephants frequently venture into rural areas in search of food and water, often causing damage to crops. Overnight, the elephants ventured into agricultural lands and wreaked havoc on the crops of 19 farmers. In Charmar village of Gharghoda range in Raigarh forest division, the paddy crops of 9 farmers were severely damaged. Additionally, in Pandarmuda village of Kharsia, the crops of one farmer suffered damage. Moreover, in Chhal Range Chuhkimar village of Dharamjaigarh forest division, the paddy crops of 4 farmers were affected, along with the paddy, urad, and groundnut crops of 3 farmers in Banhar and the paddy crops of 2 farmers in Baisi, Dharamjaigarh.

 

This situation has instilled fear among the local population, particularly in areas where the elephants are frequently sighted. Currently, 58 elephants are scattered across different ranges in Dharamjaigarh forest division, with the majority of them (33 elephants) spotted in Miriguda of Kapu range. Additionally, a group of 14 elephants is moving across various ranges in Raigarh forest division, with 8 elephants sighted in Dehridih of Gharghoda and 5 in Bangursiya. Efforts are under way to mitigate the impact of elephant movement on local communities. The Elephant Tracking Team and Hathi Mitra Team are closely monitoring the movement of elephants using drone cameras in the forests. This allows for early detection and alerts if elephants stray into residential areas. Furthermore, villagers are being educated and informed about the presence of elephants through announcements and publicity campaigns, emphasising the importance of maintaining a safe distance from the animals if they come into the village.

 

Dharamjaigarh Divisional Forest Officer, Abhishek Jogawat, has provided an update on the current situation regarding the presence of elephants in the area. Jogawat informed that there are currently 58 elephants roaming within the Dharamjaigarh Forest Division. These elephants have recently caused damage to crops in three villages, namely Baini, Chuhukumar, and Banhar. The crops affected by the elephants include Urad Daal, groundnuts, and others, resulting in losses for the local farmers. In response to the damage caused, the Forest Department has assured that compensation will be provided to the affected farmers in accordance with the established rules and guidelines. This compensation aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by farmers due to the loss of their crops as a result of elephant activity in the area.