Elephants destroy paddy in Sivasagar

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

SIVASAGAR, Dec 27: The movement of a herd of elephants in several villages under Sivasagar Regiol Forest Office in Sivasagar district had triggered panic among the villagers.

The herd of elephants entered into the paddy fields at Panbecha, Desangmukh, Demowmukh and Saraguwa villages and destroyed the ripe crops, causing huge losses to farmers. Besides, several huts were destroyed as the jumbos strayed into the villages and started running amok, said the villagers.

Houses of Satyendra Baruah, Pramod Baruah, Harendra Baruah, Akonman Baruah at Panbecha Tantipathar area were destroyed by the elephants.

According to villagers, the herd had nearly 200 elephants that moved here and there in small groups.  Forest department officials were informed about the situation and were taking measures to provide security to the villagers. But, the forest department, due to less number of personnel, has so far failed to bring the situation under control, pointed the villagers. Attacks by elephants have been frequent in these areas every year causing huge loss to farmers and even serious injuries and death to villagers living near forests.