Elephant herd sparks panic in K’jhar village

Keonjhar: A herd of 18 elephants has been camping near a canal in Keojhar district's Bhatunia village, within the Sadar forest range, for the past two days, triggering panic among locals who have been spending sleepless nights in fear.Sources said the herd came from the Ambadahara area and entered Tikarapada on Saturday evening. After crossing the railway line, the elephants moved towards the Bhandanalisahi mango orchard. Farmers alleged the herd has destroyed acres of vegetable fields and crops.In an attempt to protect their crops, farmers from Tikarapada, Kudiaghara, Mahadeiyoda, Kadgarh, Bhatunia, Narsinghpur and Kenduposhi joined the forest staff to drive away the elephants.On Sunday morning, the elephants were spotted bathing in the canal, attracting hundreds of people. The forest department is monitoring the herd and plans to chase them back into the forest. However, officials admitted their efforts have not been successful so far. There has been a demand for the govt to provide assistance to the affected farmers.Sadar range officer Ajit Das said, "We are telling people not to go near the elephants. Compensation will be provided to affected farmers."