Shops, homes reduced to rubble; wild elephant terror strikes Udalguri again

A CORRESPONDENT

ORANG: Panic swept through several villages along the Indo-Bhutan border in Udalguri district as wild elephants went on yet another rampage on the night of July 16, flattening homes, shops, and farmlands. Families in Dimakuchi and Bamunjuli tea estate areas were forced to flee as a herd of elephants stormed the settlements in search of food.

Among the worst affected was Sanjay Deka, whose shops were vandalized for the fourth time this year. Others, including Manju Bhuyan, Budhua Munda, Changram Gorh, Ajit Tanti, and Sukram Bhuyan, lost their homes and crops to the rampage. Acres of betel nut plantations and paddy fields lay in ruins by morning.

The incident adds to the growing list of human-elephant conflicts intensifying across the border villages of Rajagarh, Nalapara, Tengibasti, Bagritol, and Bhutiyachang. Despite the rising threat, the forest department’s inaction has triggered widespread anger. Residents accused Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary and BTC Chief Pramod Boro of indifference, pointing out the lack of forest personnel and equipment even near Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Locals alleged that political leaders surfaced only during elections with promises of permanent solutions but vanished after winning votes. With no lasting measures in place, people continue to live in constant fear, guarding their homes through sleepless nights.

As frustration mounts, affected communities urged for immediate intervention from the Assam Government and BTC leadership to end the cycle of destruction and displacement caused by unchecked elephant incursions.

Also Read: Man Trampled to Death by Wild Elephant in Nagaon

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