An elephant herd wreaked havoc in Bhanjanagar area in Ganjam district.The herd of 24 including ababy elephant,has caused widespread damage to different crops in the area under North Ghumusur forest division in the district.Staying in Mujagada forest,the herd cameout in the evening,regularly since last one week and since last thrusday roaming near localities.Yesterday the herd entered Daha forest section and has been wreaking havoc by damaging several houses along with stored harvested paddy,sugarcane,vegitables,besides pumps of borewells,solar panals in the village.The herd damaged the house of Tuni bhuyan,Kancham malik,Bijay malik etc,however no casuality not reported.As the ehrd also damaged the agriculture instruments of over a dozen farmers,now the victims a re worried how to repay the instalments for the equipments obtained on loan.The herd also destroyed sugarcane in over 12000 acres in Gunduribadi village.Top chase away the herd,forest staffs and locals residents tried their best,but to no avail.Since in the day time they enters the dense forests,its not possible to trace them.Not to keep a vigil on the movement of the herd drone cameras will be used and the loss caused by the herd are being assessed said DFO,Himanshu mohanty.He,however warned the public to keep themselves awar from the herd,as they are in a attacking mood,following the delivery of a baby elephant.Last month the herd caaused extension damage in Gallery area.Now,as harvesting of paddy is on,the herd being attracted by its aroma intruding the farmlands or thrasing grounds to eat the paddy.
