Omkar crosses into Maha after tensions in Pernem

Mapusa: After seven days of heightened tensions in Pernem, tusker ‘Omkar’ finally crossed the state border on Friday to Dingne in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. Omkar separated from his herd last year and has been roaming in the forests, plantations, and residential areas along the Goa-Maharashtra border since then.

The elephant roaming in the Mopa and Kadshi regions over the last few days caused fear among residents and damaged property, including two vehicles.

Harish Mahale, assistant officer of the Pernem forest department, said the tusker moved from his temporary camp in Fakirpato into the forests around 4pm, crossing into Sindhudurg, Maharashtra by 5.30pm.

The move comes after Goa’s forest department decided to relocate the animal after increasing reports of crop and property loss.

However, the situation remains delicate due to a “jurisdictional tug-of-war,” with Sindhudurg authorities and Maharashtra villagers blocking the elephant and pushing it back into Goa.

Pernem and Mandrem MLAs have approached chief minister Pramod Sawant seeking a permanent solution. While the elephant is in Sindhudurg, officials warn that without a coordinated “safe passage” agreement between both states, the animal may return, extending risk to border communities.