Kandhamala: After a struggle of over three hours forest officials of G.Udayagiri forest range in Kandhamal district has chased away the elephant herd today.The herd comprising of 25 elephants including 2 tuskers and 3 baby elephants,believedly from Darapangia forest in North Ghumusur forest division of Ganjam district,sneaked into Kalinga section of G.udayagiri forest range, during last week.The herd destroyed various crops and banana plants in Kumirngia,Retudi etc villages and returned back on last sunday.The herd again returned to Kumirngia last night and caused havoc. Besides several trees,the herd destroyed three houses.Today receving the information forest staffs reached the village and the herd entered into Darapangia forest said a forest officer addding that the villagers has been cautioned and forest staffs are being deployed to prevent the entry of the elephants.
