Villagers rally under the Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Party banner, demanding compensation for damage caused by elephants.
Villagers from Chaibasa staged a protest at the Forest Department office, demanding protection from elephants and compensation for losses.
JAMSHEDPUR – On Wednesday, villagers took to the streets of Chaibasa to demand safety from elephants and compensation for damages to life and property.
The rally, organized under the banner of the Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Party, saw villagers protesting in front of the Forest Department office.
They raised slogans against the Forest Department and the District Mining Office.
Jhinkpani block’s District Council member and party central president, John Miron Munda, stated that for the past year, residents of Tonto block have been troubled by elephants.
"Elephants frequently destroy crops, demolish houses, and even kill villagers, yet the department remains silent," Munda said.
Despite submitting compensation applications, villagers have not received any relief.
Munda also accused the Forest Department and the District Mining Office of allowing large companies to conduct illegal mining in the Saranda forest.
Due to blasting and the lack of trees for food, elephants are straying into villages.
"If the Forest Department does not drive the elephants back into the Saranda forest and provide compensation of 1 lakh rupees per acre, we will launch a major agitation," Munda warned.
A memorandum of demands was submitted to the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), who assured that positive steps would be taken within 1-2 days.
Jagannathpur District Council member Mansingh Tiriya and Manjhari District Council member Madhav Chandra Kunkal were also present during the protest.
