Forest officials are making frantic efforts to drive away a herd of elephants which sneaked into Muniguda forest range from Phulbani. For the last few days, the herd of 24 elephants has created a panic in the block by destroying crop and damaging houses.
According to the forest officials, the herd has divided into two groups. While one group of 11 elephants is staying in Chatikona panchyat of Bisamkatak block, the other group is staying in Muniguda.
The elephants have destroyed crop in Jamaraguda, Karadabandha, Ambodala and Bhairagada villages.
Since the elephants, who were staying in forest, have intruded into human habitations, the panicked tribals dare not go inside the forest.
Till date, more than ` 10 lakhs have been paid towards compensation to the people whose properties were damaged by the elephants, said Muniguda Ranger Bikramdev Patnaik.
Meanwhile, DFO Ramani Ranjan Das has directed his staff to keep a vigil on the elephants. On Monday, the forest sleuths with the help of locals chased away one group of elephants by bursting crackers.
Besides the forest guards, the tribals have been engaged to prevent the elephants from entering the villages during night.
Crops Destroyed
Berhampur: Panic gripped residents of Banthapalli and nearby villages under Sadar police limits here after a five-member elephant herd sneaked into the village and destroyed crops on Tuesday. The herd also attacked one Bhaina Mallick (50) of Dhepaguda while he was returning from the forest after collecting firewood. He was admitted to MKCGMCH on Wednesday in a serious condition.