Tuskers create havoc in East Siang district of Aruchal

From Our Correspondent
Itagar, Nov 10: A herd of wild elephants is creating havoc in rural areas of Ruksin circle under East Siang district of Aruchal Pradesh and nearby Leku at Joi in Assam’s Dhemaji district since past three days. The jumbos came out from nearby Poba range forest in search of food, caused extensive damage to standing paddy and other crops at Linka, Baromile and Mangg village, thereby incurring heavy losses to the farmers. According to Forest department’s estimation, standing crops over 10 acres were damaged by the elephant herd. Forest officials said that they were trying their level best to drive away the wild elephant. “The man-elephant conflict is on increasing trend due to gradual destruction of elephant habitat and food crisis”, said the forest officials. The villagers are demanding the forest officials to take effective measure to drive away the elephant herds from the area. They are also demanding the authority to pay compensation against the crops damaged or lost.